What’s in a Face?
Sometimes I have to turn away if I’m trying to hide my feelings from my wife. It doesn’t matter what I say, when I’m troubled, irritated, or upset, she can see it—on my face and in my eyes!
Writers often hear the warning to not depict a character as being aware of their facial expressions. The idea is that while you may observe someone else’s eyebrows furrowing, or lips pursing, you usually aren’t aware of it happening to yourself. I think that may be true for the most part; however, I am well aware of the difference in my eyes when joyful as opposed to sad.
I enjoy reading the Proverbs. John MacArthur describes proverbs as “divine guidelines and wise observations”. They are not inflexible laws or absolute promises. They generally do have exceptions due to the uncertainty of life and unpredictable behavior of fallen men. The word “proverb” means “to be like”, thus Proverbs is a book of comparisons between common, concrete images and life’s most profound truths.1
I find MacArthur’s description to fit the following.
“A joyful heart makes a cheerful face,
But when the heart is sad, the spirit is broken.” (Proverbs 15:13, NASB)
What’s in a Face?” #hope #joy #WritingCommunity Click To TweetI took today’s image during a meeting where our management group debated the best way to roll out new floor plan layouts. We knew the meeting would have its challenges. Changing the space in which people work is a huge deal! Coming to consensus on how to do that (and even whether we should) wasn’t easy.
That’s where the toys came in. In the midst of difficult conversations, they provided levity. As I look back on this photo from years ago, I’m asking myself the same question you may be asking. “Why is everyone else working and Tim is taking pictures of toys?” Good question!
But, let’s don’t worry about that. I provide the photo and today’s thoughts to challenge you.
Proverbs often compares the life of the wise (those who choose to submit to God’s leading in their life) and the foolish (those who choose to oppose God). We choose the pursuit of wisdom or foolishness.
Our countenance often reflects that choice. When in a right relationship with God, we choose joy. We choose to participate in those things that glorify Him. Our choice affects everything we take in. What we read. What we watch on television. Whom we listen to. What we take in affects what comes out. It shows on our face and in our eyes.
Is your heart joyful or sad?
Here’s hope. God loves you. He invites you to share in His joy. Jesus tells us He wants us to live a life of abundance. He doesn’t promise large wealth or good health. He promises joy in our circumstances.
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10, NASB)
One of our pastors has been providing devotions and encouraging words through Facebook over the last several months. One of the staples has been Monday and Friday Chuckles where he shares a joke. At the end he often signs off with “Smile! Lighten up! Have yourself a great day!”
Great advice in the life of the Lord. Let others see the Lord’s abundance in you and ask yourself… What do others see in my face?
Today’s feature photo comes from a “photo-a-day” challenge I pursued several years ago. The photo inspires the topic. For me, the posts challenge my creativity, writing discipline, and dependence on God for His message. My prayer is that you find hope in God’s Word, and that you’ll share your hope with others.
