Show Joy

 

As I passed this Fall display, the sun was lighting up the oranges and browns in what appeared to be a classic display of the season. Classic, until I noticed the pumpkins. I had to laugh at this little twist, this unique signature of the artist. I love the sense of playfulness evoked by the facial expressions depicted there. What a fun surprise!

As I walked on, I began to think of how the holidays can bring such a wide range of emotions to us. Like the pumpkins, our faces can tell the story as the weeks run on. Some dread this time of year. It is a reminder of loss or of the unhealthiness of our relationships. Others feel so pressured to be all things to all people that the stress overwhelms. Still others will rush around to the point of exhaustion, then feel guilty that they are not as happy as they “should be” during the holidays.

But some have found their way to a peace in the busy times of their lives. The scriptures point us to such a life in these words, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” A key to living in peace is to block out the noise and to see past the distractions that fill our world. And the key to accomplishing that feat is to fill our minds and hearts with alternative things; things that are life-giving and uplifting.

To a large extent, we control what fills our minds and hearts. What we watch. What we read. The conversations we engage in with others. The words we speak about others. All these play an important role in our outlook and attitude. I don’t know about you, but I want to fill my life with the things the writer lifts up to those early disciples. I want my face to show joy every day.

Peace.