A Day at a Time · Chapters
Chapters explained
Chapter companions for A Day at a Time by Archibald Alexander.
Chapter 1
Dedication
The book, written during wartime to offer comfort and reinforce hope and faith, is dedicated by permission to Sir John R. Jellicoe, Admiral of the Grand Fleet.
Chapter 2
Epigraph
The chapter opens with an epigraph from E. B. Browning, contrasting the prevalence of nettles with the greater abundance of smooth green grasses and the vastness of heaven's blue over any cloud, suggesting a theme of hope and perspective.
Chapter 3
A Day at a Time
This chapter emphasizes the importance of living one day at a time, trusting in God's provision and strength for each day's challenges, and finding cheerfulness and resilience through faith.
Chapter 4
I: A Day at a Time
The chapter emphasizes living one day at a time, trusting God for daily strength as promised in Deuteronomy 33:25. It comforts those anxious about loved ones in war, urging them to leave tomorrow in God's hands and focus on the present.
Chapter 5
God in the Wheels
The chapter argues that God's spirit is present in all aspects of modern life—industry, change, and personal destiny—using Ezekiel's vision of wheels as a metaphor. It counters the idea of blind chance by asserting that God the Father, revealed through Jesus Christ, guides all events with love and purpose.
Chapter 6
III: A Triple Best
This chapter explores George Stephenson's life motto: 'Make the best of everything; think the best of everybody; hope the best for yourself.' It argues for cheerfulness and resilience in adversity, for charitable judgment of others, and for hopeful self-regard grounded in faith in God. The chapter uses examples from Scripture, literature, and everyday life to illustrate how these three principles lead to a better life and deeper trust in God.
Chapter 7
IV: Finical Farming
The chapter uses the metaphor of a farmer waiting for perfect weather to sow seed, drawn from Ecclesiastes, to argue against over-caution in charity and benevolence. It encourages a royal, freehanded approach to doing good, trusting God with outcomes rather than waiting for ideal conditions.
Chapter 8
V: The Doctor
This chapter draws a parallel between the role of a doctor and the ministry of Jesus Christ, arguing that the doctor is a modern, accessible symbol of Christ's compassion, sacrifice, and healing. It emphasizes that Jesus should be seen not only as a priestly figure but as the Good Physician who is approachable and ready to heal the sick in body, mind, and spirit.
Chapter 9
VI: Well and Now
This chapter urges readers to do their work well and promptly, drawing from Ecclesiastes 9:10 and Paul's exhortation to work heartily as unto the Lord. It emphasizes the importance of seizing the present moment, avoiding procrastination, and dedicating one's efforts to God, with vivid illustrations from art, war, and daily life.
Chapter 10
VII: The "Washen Face" in War Time
The chapter uses Joseph's example of washing his face and restraining his emotions to discuss the quiet heroism of war-mourners and families of soldiers during wartime. It highlights the dignity of bearing sorrow with a cheerful and composed demeanor, drawing on the courage of those who have lost loved ones or have loved ones at the front, and frames this as a noble contribution to the nation's moral strength.
Chapter 11
VIII: The Real Martha
This chapter reinterprets the biblical story of Martha and Mary, arguing that Martha's practical service is as valuable as Mary's contemplative listening. It emphasizes that Jesus appreciated both sisters' contributions and gently corrected Martha not by devaluing her work, but by affirming that Mary's sympathetic attention also ministered to Him. The chapter calls for recognizing diverse forms of service without envy or belittlement.
Chapter 12
Our Unearned Increment
This chapter reflects on Psalm 127:2, emphasizing that God gives to His beloved even while they sleep. It offers comfort to three types of people: the worried, the disappointed, and the Christian worker, encouraging trust in God's providence beyond human effort.
Chapter 13
X: Smoking Wicks
This chapter explores the Christian duty to nurture even the faintest spark of goodness in others, drawing on Isaiah 42:3 and the example of Jesus Christ. It argues against quenching the 'smoking flax'—the dimly burning wick—and instead advocates for a sympathetic, hopeful recognition of good wherever it appears, even in unlikely places. The author uses the metaphor of a struggling fire and the story of the sinful woman to illustrate how a little encouragement can transform a flicker of virtue into a flame, urging Christians to adopt Christ's gentle, risk-taking approach.
Chapter 14
XI: Culpable Goodness
The chapter warns against allowing one's good to be evil spoken of through censoriousness, extremeness, and coldness, urging Christians to embody charity, moderation, and warmth.
Chapter 15
A Khaki Virtue
This chapter celebrates cheerfulness as a virtue exemplified by soldiers in wartime, arguing that it is a sign of underlying faith in God's providence and a blessing to both oneself and others. The author encourages readers to adopt this cheerful disposition, linking it to the Christian faith and the example of Jesus.
Chapter 16
The Overcoming of Panic
This chapter explores the human impulse to escape difficult duties and environments, using Jeremiah's choice to remain among his people as a central example. It argues that true character is built through enduring hardship and that the desire to flee, while natural, is often overcome by a sense of divine vocation, the joy of self-mastery, and the instinctive contempt for cowardice. The chapter concludes with a prayer for strength to endure as good soldiers of Christ.
Chapter 17
XIV: The Day’s Darg
This chapter argues that daily work is not separate from religious life but is a divine commandment and a vital part of Christian service. It emphasizes that Jesus Himself worked as a carpenter, sanctifying ordinary labor, and that Christ is present with believers in their daily tasks, helping them to glorify God through their work.
Chapter 18
XV: Gashmu the Gossip
This chapter examines the biblical figure Gashmu, who is remembered only as a talebearer and slanderer. It contrasts harmless gossip with the deadly sin of spreading false reports, which can irreparably damage a person's reputation. The author urges readers to emulate the knightly chivalry of King Arthur's knights by speaking no slander and not listening to it, and to be like a rock that stops the drift of gossip. The chapter concludes with a prayer for guarding one's speech and protecting others' good names.
Chapter 19
God in Front
This chapter explores the idea that God is always working ahead of us, preparing blessings and surprises for us to discover. It uses the metaphor of a birthday to illustrate how God 'prevents' us with goodness, and draws on examples from nature, literature, and personal experience to show that God's providential care extends to both joyful and sorrowful moments. The chapter encourages faith that God has measured and adapted life for us, even in the face of death.
Chapter 20
XVII: “Unbelief Kept Quiet”
The chapter addresses the struggle of faith in a skeptical age, arguing that faith is not the absence of doubt but the deliberate choice to keep unbelief subdued. It encourages readers to fight the good fight of faith, emphasizing that faith can coexist with intellectual perplexities and that what matters is the direction of one's heart toward God.
Chapter 21
XVIII: The Equipment of Joy
This chapter explores the concept of 'the joy of the Lord' as a source of strength, arguing that true religious joy is not different from wholesome human gladness but deepened by the knowledge of God. It emphasizes that a cheerful, joyous heart is both a strength to others and to oneself, and that such joy is a necessity, not a luxury.
Chapter 22
XIX: The God of the Unlovable Man
This chapter reflects on the biblical title 'God of Jacob,' arguing that God is the God even of unlovable, disagreeable people. It challenges readers to be more patient and charitable toward those they find irritating, and to recognize their own unlovable qualities, finding hope in the grace of the God of Jacob.
Chapter 23
Under the Juniper Tree
This chapter explores the phenomenon of spiritual and emotional reaction after great exertion, using the biblical story of Elijah under the juniper tree as a central metaphor. It discusses the physical and spiritual causes of depression, the importance of not making judgments during low moments, and the discipline of not expressing despondency outwardly. The chapter emphasizes that the call of Christ overrides personal feelings and that cowardice is shameful, while offering practical rules for coping with reaction.
Chapter 24
Instructing the Cabin Boy
The chapter explores how John Wesley, during a voyage from Georgia, overcame a period of spiritual doubt and heaviness by instructing a cabin boy. It argues that action—doing God's will as it becomes clear—leads to deeper knowledge and assurance of God, a principle taught by Jesus Christ.
Chapter 25
God's Door of Hope
This chapter explores the theme of finding hope and redemption not by escaping one's troubles, but by confronting them with faith. Using the biblical metaphor of the Valley of Achor (meaning 'trouble'), the author argues that God offers a door of hope in the very place of past failure and discouragement. Through examples from history and personal testimony, the chapter encourages readers to return to their difficult circumstances with renewed faith, trusting that God can transform defeat into victory and sorrow into spiritual growth.
Chapter 26
Now-a-Days
The chapter critiques the pessimistic use of 'nowadays' to disparage the present, using Nabal's dismissive remark about servants as a springboard. It argues that such complaints often come from those who do little to improve things themselves, that memory idealizes the past, and that true discernment of the present is limited. The chapter affirms faith in God's ongoing work and the hidden growth of goodness, urging readers to trust in divine providence and contribute positively to their own corner of the world.
Chapter 27
XXIV: Roundabout Roads
This chapter explores the paradox that true happiness, influence, and spiritual life are attained not by direct pursuit but by indirection—by focusing on duty, service, and generosity. Drawing on the biblical story of an arrow shot 'at a venture' that struck King Ahab, the author argues that God often grants His best gifts when we aim at something else. Happiness comes when we forget ourselves and serve others; influence grows when we strive to be upright rather than influential; and life in Christ is found by giving it away, not hoarding it. The chapter concludes with a prayer for grace to discover blessings on God's 'roundabout roads.'
Chapter 28
The Extravagance of Love
This chapter defends acts of extravagant love and beauty against the criticism of practical utility, using Mary's anointing of Jesus as a key example. It argues that beauty, generosity, and devotion have intrinsic value and are justified by love itself, not by utilitarian standards.
Chapter 29
The Art of "Doing Without"
This chapter explores the spiritual discipline of contentment in both abundance and scarcity, drawing on Paul's declaration in Philippians 4:12. It argues that true character is revealed not only in deprivation but also in prosperity, and that the inner life—rooted in faith, love, and hope—can sustain a person even when material goods, friendships, or even the felt presence of God are withdrawn. The chapter encourages readers to trust that God never loses hold of them, even in darkness.
Chapter 30
Wonder
This chapter explores the essential role of wonder in religious life and human relationships. It argues that wonder is the foundation of true worship and gratitude, warning against the dangers of familiarity, ignorance, and a fashionable disdain for surprise. Drawing on Moses, Ruskin, and George Eliot, it calls readers to cultivate a childlike heart that marvels at God's gifts—both in nature and in the everyday love of family and friends.
Chapter 31
XXVIII: The Fatherhood of God
This chapter explores the profound implications of Jesus' teaching that God is our heavenly Father, emphasizing His goodwill, compassion, and forgiveness. It contrasts this loving conception with harsh or fearful views of God, and reflects on the silence of God in times of grief, trusting that His gifts are never mere stones.
Chapter 32
XXIX: The Unreturning Brave
On Easter Day 1915, the chapter offers comfort to those mourning soldiers lost in war, asserting that through Christ's resurrection, the fallen are not dead but live on with God. It emphasizes the hope that those who sacrificed their lives for righteousness find mercy and eternal life, and includes a prayer for the afflicted.
Chapter 33
XXX: The Sacrament of Sunset
This chapter reflects on the beauty of the sunset as a divine communication from God, unspoiled by human hands, and encourages the reader to see in it a promise of hope, peace, and the ultimate beauty of life's end.
Chapter 34
Endnotes
The chapter consists of endnotes, including a note written in February acknowledging indebtedness to Sir Wm. Robertson Nicoll's work 'When the Wounded Go Home.'
