One Goal—Smile!

Today’s post is meant to accomplish one goal. I’ll consider it a success if you smile at any time while reading.

Do me a favor. Give your mind permission to put all the stress and tension of the day in its own little room of your mind. Go ahead, I’ll give you a moment to do that. If you have to close your eyes and imagine boxing up your troubles, closing the flaps and toting them to the room, do it.

If you need to repeat a phrase to yourself, feel free to do that. I love the words of the Psalms. Consider these from Psalm 51:10 (NASB).

“Create in me a clean heart, O God,

And renew a steadfast spirit within me.”

I know these words are associated with David seeking God’s forgiveness for his actions with Bathsheba, but I believe we can also use them as a prayer of cleansing. In this case, removing the worry and anxiousness from the very depths of our soul. So, join me in asking God to do just that. Remove the junk and make us new, infusing us with a steadfast spirit.

Only the creator can create. Let’s ask Him to create our new, clean heart, and take us to a sense of peace and tranquility.

If you’ve done that, imagine yourself in your favorite town. Maybe for you it’s in a small mountain town. You can call it a Hallmark location. We’ll allow it. Maybe you’re there at your favorite time of year. Like fall. Leaves of gold and rust. Breezes requiring a sweater, but not yet a coat.

Maybe you like the beach, or a bustling city. Whatever your place, take yourself there.

Now, imagine as you walk, you hear the soft calliope sounds of an organ grinder. Surprised to hear that in your imagined place? The kind old man plays a tune that settles your soul and brings a smile to your face. He asks nothing in return, though will gladly accept anything for sharing the joy you feel. Can you hear it?

In case you are not familiar with organ grinder music, here is a clip to remind you. You don’t have to watch the whole thing to get the gist of the music and the smiles on the people’s faces.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5xlb1doh_4w

Does the organ grinder you’ve envisioned have a monkey? Monkeys were used because they could do tricks and carry a cup to collect coins. Could be the organ grinder in your imaginary stroll is the same one my wife and I encountered in France. He didn’t have a monkey.

Go back and take another look at the photo. See it? Yep, the monkey lost his job to a cat. And, if you ask me, the cat has it made.

Actors, artists, and street musician perform in fairs, festivals and promenades so patrons enjoy themselves. They want to make you smile. I guess they prefer a “joyful giver”.

One Goal—Smile! #hope #joy #amwriting Share on X

Listening to carnival music and enjoying comedy is one kind of joy. Another kind of joy is the hope we have in Jesus, knowing God cares for us and loves us no matter our situation. Let’s be generous in sharing that kind of joy!

Luke 6:38 tells us, “Give and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure—pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return.”

I don’t believe we should give to get. I believe God wants us to have joy and when we share joy, we attract joy. Even if the recipient doesn’t return it, it is pleasing to God. Lots of us probably need a dose of joy today. May God help you share some pleasure, and may you experience His joy in return.

Smiling yet?