A joyful heart is good medicine, But a broken spirit dries up the bones. Proverbs 17:22
Most of my “communication” with the outside world takes place on my computer. I get daily devotionals from a number of places. This quote came through today and really spoke to my heart.
“Talk happiness. The world is sad enough without your woe. No path is wholly rough.” Ella Wheeler Wilcox
I have to admit that when I first read this, part of me rebelled. I felt resentment creep in. How could this person possibly understand my path? Then I read her words again.
I wondered what I am adding to this world. For some reason the concept of a balance scale came into my mind. I pictured the world in the middle with sadness on one side and happiness on the other. Which side of the scale am I adding to?
“Talk happiness.” Surely there are happy words I can speak. Why is it so much easier to speak the “sad” ones? If I am “contributing” to the condition of the world, I have to admit that I don’t want to be known for adding to the sad side!
God seems to have a certain way of dealing with me. When I fall down into a low spot, when things get harder, when I start to grumble – God invariably shows me someone who could use my prayers and my good thoughts.
I remember going to a physical therapy appointment, feeling sorry for myself. I was back in a wheel chair again. The doors to the facility opened and a young gal in a wheelchair, maybe 20 years old was pushed in. I could tell her legs were paralyzed and her arms had minimal movement. Yet, she was simply beaming. “Guess what?” She spoke to the receptionist. “I was able to take a bite of a sandwich today and swallow it down! I had a sandwich!”
I will never forget that. Such joy over taking a bite of food and being able to swallow it. She “talked happiness” and brightened that whole room. People were smiling and chatting now. Talk happiness – even if it’s just because you were able to take a bite of food!
Father, I pray you will give me the ability to “talk happiness” – to find the joy in the small things and praise you for them. May I always add to the happiness of the place I am in as much as is possible. Amen.