happy heart makes faces radiant, but heartbreaks discourage. -Proverbs 15:13 I put my groceries in the car and carefully drove my car out of the parking lot. Suddenly a man appeared across the street just in front of me unaware of the speed of my car. I immediately hit the brakes and managed to avoid a collision with that person. The man was startled, looked up, and stared at me. Right then, I know I have two choices: to vent frustration while looking at him sharply, or give a smile of forgiveness. I choose to smile. A look of relief was visible on his face, and he smiled back with a thank-you note. Admonish one another and build each other up. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 Proverbs 15:13 says, "A joyful heart makes faces radiant, but grief discourages." Does the proverb writer ask us to always smile in every disturbance, disappointment, and inconvenience we experience in this life? Certainly not! There is a time for us to grieve, be discouraged, or even angry at the injustices we endure. But in our daily life, a smile can provide the relief, hope, and love that we need to keep moving forward. Perhaps the proverb is about to assert that a smile is a natural outgrowth of our inner state. "A happy heart" is a heart that feels peaceful, contented, and surrendered to God's goodness. When our hearts exude a joy that comes from within, we can respond to the unexpected situations we experience with a sincere smile. Who knows, other people we meet will also be moved to accept the hope and peace from God. Father, today when I meet people, make my heart rejoice so that I can share with them the true hope that comes only from You. I put my groceries in the car and carefully drove my car out of the parking lot. Suddenly a man appeared across the street just in front of me unaware of the speed of my car. I immediately hit the brakes and managed to avoid a collision with that person. The man was startled, looked up, and stared at me. Right then, I know I have two choices: to vent frustration while looking at him sharply, or give a smile of forgiveness. I choose to smile. A look of relief was visible on his face, and he smiled back with a thank-you note. Admonish one another and build each other up. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 Proverbs 15:13 says, "A joyful heart makes faces radiant, but grief discourages." Does the proverb writer ask us to always smile in every disturbance, disappointment, and inconvenience we experience in this life? Certainly not! There is a time for us to grieve, be discouraged, or even angry at the injustices we endure. But in our daily life, a smile can provide the relief, hope, and love that we need to keep moving forward. Perhaps the proverb is about to assert that a smile is a natural outgrowth of our inner state. "A happy heart" is a heart that feels peaceful, contented, and surrendered to God's goodness. When our hearts exude a joy that comes from within, we can respond to the unexpected situations we experience with a sincere smile. Who knows, other people we meet will also be moved to accept the hope and peace from God. Father, today when I meet people, make my heart rejoice so that I can share with them the true hope that comes only from You.
