Proverbs 15:30 A twinkle in the eye means joy in the heart and good news makes you feel fit as a fiddle. (The Message)
Proverbs 15:30 A cheerful look brings joy to the heart and good news gives health to the bones. (NIV)
The word 'twinkle' in my Entourage dictionary says "a brightness in somebody's eyes, caused by a feeling such as amusement, delight or mischief." (delight)
The word 'cheerful' in the same dictionary says "in a happy and optimistic mood or happy and optimistic by nature." (optimistic mood)
I write a section our Church newsletter called "The Cheerful Look" and it's filled with the who, what, when and where's of our church families. Accomplishments, new jobs, births, marriages, engagements, proud moments, awards, new address/phone - anything that promotes a 'brightness in our eyes' or a 'happy and optimistic mood' when it's read. And I'm hoping it does because God's children are doing great things.
And so what does good news do to us inside? It makes us smile, our faces are brighter, our heart rates are slower, our thoughts are softer and each of those things are projected to the people we meet in life.
Knowing God may be some people's only cheerful news. Knowing him and knowing his love will hopefully bring a smile to those who struggle. We know people aren't consistent, but God always is.
And as we take on each day, we should look for something good in each person, in our lives and in whatever task we have before us. For some, that can be very difficult to do and when that happens, we must turn to God and ask him for a smile, ask him for help. Because if we do, we may find by the end of the day, we have some joy in our heart because of a smile from someone.
Nancy
