Monday, May 19, 2014

Smile . . . Inspire Others With Your Joy

"A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance, But by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken." (Proverbs 15:13 NKJ)

Spring and Summer produces what Fall and Winter takes away, and I love the freshness that Spring brings. I am motivated by the expectation of Summer days "just around the corner." My expectation is stirred by the various birds that congregate and eat at my bird-feeders.

While watching the birds, I experience peace and relaxation and joy. Recently as I watched the birds, a squirrel crawled up the bird-feeder pole and tried very hard to get to the birds’ food. The squirrel stretched his front legs and paws as far as it could without letting go of the pole with his hind legs.

The squirrel finally achieved the feat and was able to get some of the bird feed. But as he ate and stretched to get more food, he lost his grip on the feeder and fell to the ground. The squirrel was not hurt and I laughed at his antics. Of course, Mr. Squirrel went back up the pole and continued his search for food. He was not deterred from his goal by his fall. He simply shook himself and repeated his efforts.

It is good to smile even when things are not going right in our world. Remember, in all that life brings, we are never alone. We can always find something to be cheerful about. God has promised that He would never leave us nor forsake us. He is always present and supplies our need just as he uses me to supply the needs of a few birds and squirrels.

God's promise should make me joyful in every situation. Sometimes I just need to be persistent. Sometimes I simply need to renew my efforts. Sometimes my perspective can make the difference between joy and pain.

Dear Father, thank you for a joyful spirit and attitude. In all that comes my way today, give me joy and help me know that a merry heart makes a cheerful countenance. I pray this in the name of Jesus. AMEN

Do you have a merry heart? Where's your happy face?

Written by: Bobbie Smith

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