The last few days have been those sunny Spring days we wish for. Only last week, we would have the heater on the first thing in the morning to take the chill out of the air but not today. It’s a comfortable start to the day at 56*.
When the weather warms more people are out and about. Smiles are bigger. There’s more activity. Sunshine just seems to make everyone happier.
This made me think about an old song, “Open Up Your Heart and Let the Sunshine in”. It was written by Stuart Hamblin in 1957.
“So let the sun shine in
face it with a grin.
Smilers never lose
and frowners never win.
So let the sun shine in
face it with a grin
Open up your heart and let the sun shine in.”
Do I make people smile or improve their lives?
” Make your light shine, so that others will see the good that you do and will praise your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 CEV
I remember one time in particular that I was standing in a long, slow-moving line. People all around me were annoyed. It seemed that each person in front of me encountered some sort of difficulty at checkout and this only further added to the wait and irritated those who were waiting. When it was finally my turn, I too encountered a problem. I could see that the salesclerk was trying to please everyone and that she was certainly feeling the mounting pressure.
As she finished, I took her hand and thanked her for all she was doing to help ALL of us. And then I had to stand back and wait for my item to arrive at the counter. After that I had the pleasure to hear several other customers thank her for trying so hard. It lightened her pressure and put people in a more caring mood as they waited.
I had to thank Jesus for letting me “shine” on her. It was a situation like this that reminds me I need to be a light – I don’t always react that way but I’m getting better at it. Thank you, Lord!
“I asked the Lord for help, and he saved me from all my fears. 5 Keep your eyes on the Lord!
You will shine like the sun and never blush with shame. 6 I was a nobody, but I prayed, and the Lord saved me from all my troubles.” Psalm 34:4-6 CEV
Today people need to see our light – wherever we go today let’s take the “Sonshine” with us.
“The lifestyle of good people is like sunlight at dawn that keeps getting brighter until broad daylight.” Proverbs 4:18 CEV