“A cheerful look brings joy to the heart…” (Proverbs 15:30a)
I have a collection of books of famous writers sitting on my bookshelf. One of them is a 645-page publication of the works of Robert Lewis Stevenson, including the classic, Treasure Island. However, the book starts out with several poems, one which is entitled “Minnie.” This is where I stumbled upon the following sonnet.
A picture frame for you to fill,
A paltry setting of your face,
A thing that has no worth until
you lend it something of your grace.
The question that I am about ready to ask is meant specifically for me as it is for you. Here’s the question. How will you fill the imaginary picture frame that surrounds your face today? Will it be with a miserable face, a much-worried face, a leave me alone face, or the exact opposite of a long-formed smile face that is the beginning of showing love to another? How will you fill your picture frame today? Will others see your grumpy demeanor or your grace? Will people see your burdens, or will they see a face that shows that you have laid your burdens down and you have been lifted up with a new cognizance of the fact that you are truly blessed. Will people take a glance at what is inside your picture frame and quickly decide to exit the scene or will they be intrigued by a glow that illuminates your countenance? Will it be paltry, in other words miserable, or will it be pointing to the fact that He makes you glad?
How will you fill your picture frame today? Will you insert a picture of pride or an image that shows preferred humility? Will you have a judgmental picture on display or a “just like me” picture, projecting the message that we all, including yourself, have something to work on as being a follower of Christ. Will you insert a picture that reflects your stubbornness or your stately look, a look that is most appropriate because you are a member of a holy nation and a royal priesthood?
Two sons, when they were much younger, both chronologically and spiritually, had an interaction that their mother retells frequently. The youngest of the two was seemingly, always in a good mood. The older son, upon seeing his younger sibling’s seemingly eternal, smiling face, asks in a somewhat sarcastic tone, “Why are YOU so happy?” The younger son’s smile vanished, but only for a very brief minute. I share this story with you to point out that you should strive not to contaminate someone else’s happy, content face in their personal picture frame. Just keep your words to yourself and even inquire inwardly, “Why is MY face not showing such happiness? Don’t I have reason to be smiling too? Haven’t I been blessed too?” The answer to the latter, let me help you, is, “Sure have!” I leave you with my repetitive inquiry, probing question that I hope will persuade you to ponder throughout this day: “How will you fill your picture frame?” Look, it is either all good or working out for good for you! Be blessed!
“Gray skies are gonna clear up, put on a happy face! Wipe off the clouds and cheer up, put on a happy face. Take off the gloomy mask of tragedy, it’s not your style. You’ll be glad that you decided to smile. Pick out a pleasant outlook. Stick out that noble chin. Wipe off that full-doubt look. Snap on a happy grin! Spread sunshine all over the place! And just put on a happy face!” (Adams/Strouse)
Still committed to the climb,
Mark L. King
These daily meditations can now be found on markwritesdaily.com.