Things That Make You Smile

Hi, friends,

I hope this finds you well as we enter a new year. January is a time of reflection as we consider the past and anticipate the year ahead.

A couple days ago a writing friend (thank you, Carol!) prompted me to write about “Things That Make You Smile.” It was exactly what I needed. To remember positive things, while sad things still exist in my life and tug at my heart.

I took a few moments to sit quietly and write a list of random, yet specific, thoughts. Things that tipped my lips upward and warmed my heart. As I read over my long list, I found themes of:

   *Love of family and friends. And the tether of love, unbreakable, that is woven throughout our lives.

   *The glory of God’s creation, in big and small things.

   *Silliness and laughter without being diminished or shamed by it. And laughing at myself.

   *Biblical scripture, nourishing books, spiritual songs that encourage me to keep on keeping on.

   *Encounters with strangers who needed a listening ear, and the surprise of joy we shared.

   *Stillness in the night…and in my heart. God’s peace that passes all understanding. Experiencing the joy of the LORD.

   *The whisper of hope when all seems lost, a tiny reminder to look up into the love of God. To rest and wait, let gratitude carry me where e’er it will.

   *Home and hearth, simple joys of a quiet life. The warmth of a fire, even if it’s only on the TV screen.

   *Time for a writing life.

In addition, I’ve been recently reminded that God does not rush us. His desire is for us to accept His love and love Him back. I need not scurry into the new year trying to do all the things to make myself better…I need only to love God, follow Him, and let Him love me. I have found that God has the most magnificent way of growing me when I come to Him, especially with my confusions. As I learn to trust Him more and do what He says, I can face and overcome my troubles. (Big smile!)

Remembering what makes me smile expresses the gratitude I feel for each blessing in my life. A way of saying, “Thank You, Father God. Look at the goodness You have brought to me. I love you back.” And when I’m sad, my heart can still joy in the love of the LORD. He walks with me all the way.

Have you thought about what makes you smile? I’d love to hear about it. A few minutes of remembering goodness is a step into the light.

John 14:1 NLT records Jesus’ words: “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me.”

Philippians 4:6-8 NKJV reminds us: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.”

God bless you in every way. Please let me know how I may pray for you.

Sherry 💞

You can find links to all my books on my Amazon author page here: https://amazon.com/author/sherryvycitalyork