The Joy Meter!

(I am the one of the left with my arm around my little sister, Keely) 

 

As I did the dishes this evening, I saw the sun set. It was so beautiful reminding me of specific moments in my childhood. It all started when I was born; my mom said that when I came out of the womb, the room was brightened up by the smile that was on my face. I earned the nickname sunshine before my first birthday. I smiled every day, everywhere. 

Sunshine: brightness or radiance; cheerfulness or happiness (dictionary.com). I love that. Happiness makes you smile, and the smile on your face affects those around you. 

 A few days ago, God gave me a wonderful wakeup call. I was having a very bad Thursday last week. I felt as if everyone was against me; I felt sad and gloomy. And that’s when it happened. It hit me so fast that I could not predict it before it happened. My wakeup call was given to me in the strangest way, but it had to happen. God opened my eyes. I was sitting in my room after coming home from the Christian club at my school, and my eyes were filled with tears. God then embraced me with a warm hug and brought me close to Him. He whispered in my ear “Sunshine, please smile.” I picked up my head, wiped the tears off my face, and sat at my computer while flash backs of my childhood ran through my head.

God used a good friend of mine to remind me that smiling is good, and we should be joyful. I woke up because I listened to God’s voice. He makes me smile. No matter how hard or challenging I think my life gets, I know that my smile is here to stay.  

I am Avonlea “Sunshine” Helen Schemmer. I am smiling! 

Let’s pray!

Dear Father,

Often times it feels that I cannot smile anymore because my life is a mess, but I know that you put joy in my life. Lord, help to check my joy meter when I turn gloomy. There is a time for every emotion, and I thank you for creating me this way. I pray for smiley days and for me to have joy to share with the world.

In Jesus Name,

Amen

Psalm 30:11

“You turned my wailing into dancing;
   you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy”