While I cared for an elderly geriatric some years ago, I was also a den mother for one of his middle-aged offspring. Some Brady Bunches are never like the soapies, where all issues are resolved in half an hour of canned smiles and singing.
Late one morning, the person concerned awoke with the usual miserable hangover. As I prepared lunch, I smiled and said, “Good morning, isn’t it a lovely day? All is well.”
To which, the person yelled, “Stop being so annoyingly positive. Why don’t you say something negative like me?”
Enough said. Fortunately, I now appreciate not having such melancholic co-residents and their infantile behaviors. After seeing things there through to the end, I have reasons to smile. I can open my Bible and read the above verse.
Interpreting this text prompts me to reflect that a person’s attitude toward each stage of life can influence their outlook on life, and even their overall health. If believers remain joyful in God’s love, they can view negative comments as a temporary glitch.
Today, God has provided many reasons for me to smile, which fosters peace in my heart and maintains support and smiles for those I meet daily. Personally, I find great comfort and benefit in drawing on my current place and time. I am blessed in my faith community, at home, among my neighbors, and through strong sisterly connections and some quality friends. Additionally, my unit and garden are well-maintained.
Even if this is not the case for you, turn to God’s love, and a path can open. The spiritual love of God will give you many reasons to smile in a world where nothing lasts forever, except God.
Julie Grenness is a former teacher and catechist who is now a writer of many online articles, mainly for baby boomers. She is also a caregiver for a geriatric and a part-time tutor and mentor of young Australians from many lands. She aims to be a woman of God and to walk humbly in the path of Jesus.