# A Khaki Virtue explained — A Day at a Time

> Chapter companion for A Day at a Time by Archibald Alexander.

## What happens

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.

## Themes in this chapter

### Cheerfulness and Resilience

The entire chapter is dedicated to cheerfulness as a virtue, especially in the face of war and hardship, and its power to bless both the individual and others.

### Faith and Trust in God

Cheerfulness is presented as an expression of faith in God's Fatherhood and good Providence, trusting that He controls all and makes no mistakes.

### Hope and Optimism

The chapter emphasizes the hopeful and cheery way of facing life's rebuffs, linking it to the belief that God is in His Heaven and cares for all.

## Character check-ins

### Unknown

The narrator reflects on the virtue of cheerfulness observed in soldiers and urges readers to emulate it.

### Jesus Christ

Referenced as the one who brings near the faith in God's Fatherhood and Love, which underlies cheerfulness.

### R. L. Stevenson

His prayer is quoted at the end of the chapter, asking for cheerfulness and strength in daily duties.

### John Bunyan

Mentioned in reference to the pilgrim Christian hearing a man singing as he goes through the valley.

## Key lines

> God loveth a cheerful giver.

God delights in those who give with a joyful heart.

_The chapter's epigraph from 2 Corinthians 9:7 sets the theme of cheerfulness as a divine virtue._

> It was only a glad Good Morning As she passed along the way, But it spread the morning's glory Over the livelong day.

A simple cheerful greeting can brighten someone's entire day.

_Illustrates the ripple effect of cheerfulness on others._

> For cheerfulness, like mercy, is twice blessed. It blesseth him that has, and him that sees!

Cheerfulness benefits both the person who possesses it and those who witness it.

_Emphasizes the dual blessing of cheerfulness, echoing Shakespeare's 'mercy' quote._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_day_at_a_time_se/chapters/xii-a-khaki-virtue
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_day_at_a_time_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_day_at_a_time_se/chapters