Good Medicine
(Sorry for the late post---our server has been having trouble getting out of bed==:)
I have been spending some time at our local nursing home and have met some truly wonderful residents. They are smiling and happy and eager to interact with others. Some, however are a bit crotchety (is that how you spell that word?) They say they don't want to be bothered by anyone. They spend most days in their rooms, alone, refusing to come out for activities or meals or any other interactions. Since I have been going there, the past week or so, I have also noticed that their mood changes when I walk in acting like I am really happy to be there, remembering their name and something they told me about their life. It reminded me of a Proverb. Chapter 17:22 says "A cheerful heart is good medicine but a crushed spirit dries up the bones." Isn't that so true? It is true with everyone not just nursing home residents. There is a commercial on television, (who knew there was something good on there, other than 24) where a man is cooking in a diner. He is grouchy with everyone until one customer makes the effort to smile and say, "good sandwich" or something like that. The cook's countenance changes immediately, he smiles and resumes work and the viewers just know the entire atmosphere of the diner changes. too.
Of all the ways we can shine for Jesus, being cheerful is the easiest. We have so much to be cheerful about. We have a Savior---what else do we need? When people see our cheerful heart, they cannot help but feel better. Let's contribute to the well-being of the earth. We have good medicine. We have a cheerful heart.
Neva
I have been spending some time at our local nursing home and have met some truly wonderful residents. They are smiling and happy and eager to interact with others. Some, however are a bit crotchety (is that how you spell that word?) They say they don't want to be bothered by anyone. They spend most days in their rooms, alone, refusing to come out for activities or meals or any other interactions. Since I have been going there, the past week or so, I have also noticed that their mood changes when I walk in acting like I am really happy to be there, remembering their name and something they told me about their life. It reminded me of a Proverb. Chapter 17:22 says "A cheerful heart is good medicine but a crushed spirit dries up the bones." Isn't that so true? It is true with everyone not just nursing home residents. There is a commercial on television, (who knew there was something good on there, other than 24) where a man is cooking in a diner. He is grouchy with everyone until one customer makes the effort to smile and say, "good sandwich" or something like that. The cook's countenance changes immediately, he smiles and resumes work and the viewers just know the entire atmosphere of the diner changes. too.
Of all the ways we can shine for Jesus, being cheerful is the easiest. We have so much to be cheerful about. We have a Savior---what else do we need? When people see our cheerful heart, they cannot help but feel better. Let's contribute to the well-being of the earth. We have good medicine. We have a cheerful heart.
Neva
posted by Neva | 12:18 PM
9 Comments:
Thanks for coming by my blog Neva and thanks for this powerful post. Being cheerful is so simple yet people, Christians included, can't seem to remember to be so.
Being cheerful isn't always easy but it is best practice for God's people.Good post.
Pat
It is easy to be cheerful when you start and end the day with God, counting your blessings.
Thanks for the encouragement,
Jean
Great reminder---the Great Physician makes good medicine --a cheerful heart.
Dan
I try to be cheerful everyday sometimes I have to find small things to be cheerful about. Your posts are very encouraging.
Karli
I find encouraging words from your blog and others are great medicine. Thank you for helping me stay "healthy".
Eileen
Liked this post. I have noticed as a mother, when I am cheerful in the morning, my children and my husband have a great day. That makes me have a great day too. Amazing how that works!
Yvonne
I think I have noticed even more as a mother when I am not cheerful in the morning because the whole world falls apart for everyone that day. My heart is very cheerful today!
Kathy
Neva, thank you so much for letting them know at the manor that I wanted to read to the residents. I went this morning and it was great! I only read one chapter this morning then spent a bit of time just talking to those that attended so they could get to know me and they were so gracious in their praise that it was a humbling experience for me. I look forward to my next session with the ladies and just one gentleman but I had quite a crowd. Of course when I let them know that Mary is my aunt they really warmed up to me and once more made me realize how wonderful an aunt I have and how grateful I am to God for putting her into my life. She is a true inspiration to aspire too and I only wish I could be as good. I am working on it! lol!
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