“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”
The word bones in this verse literally represents the whole body. Who doesn’t feel better when they are enjoying life. Years ago I use to look with amazement and maybe even a little arrogance at people who seemed oblivious to the hardships of life. They wore a smile like everything they were about to do was going to be the most fun new adventure they ever experienced. Going out to eat, seeing a movie, grocery shopping or waiting in line at the drivers license office all seemed to evoke the emotional equivalent of anticipating winning the lottery. Life was just always a fun new experience. At times I felt sorry for them that they just didn’t have the depth of insight and understanding to realize life was not a trip to the circus. A number of years ago I remember seeing a woman walk by with that excited anticipatory smile and look. I started into my counselor mode wondering what she must be thinking to be upbeat about the frozen yogurt she was in line to purchase. Suddenly my mind, most likely under the influence of the Holy Spirit, asked me why I didn’t walk through life looking forward to whatever big or little gift awaited my next experience. It made me smile. From then on I decided they had the right idea and I work consciously to try and smile and enjoy whatever is next in my life. I suspect I often look a little goofy to much of the world. But my goodness it is a much more fun way to live. Often it impacts others in a very uplifting way. Since my next moment is a gift from God, maybe I should look like. Today try living as though whatever is next is a gift from your Heavenly Father. #BeTheEdge
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”Philippians 4:4 NIV
