Sometimes a smile can be hard to find. I’ve become familiar with many places across the United States and it is not uncommon to run into people having a bad day every now and then. But for some reason it seems to be more the norm here than not. Though this sounds rather peculiar, and I know that I’m probably ruffling a few feathers here, it is something worth considering. I’ve often wondered what makes so many people here so unhappy. Is there something in the water or air that depletes the body’s ability to produce serotonin?
Is there some competition that I’m not aware of, that awards those who are the most miserable?
My guess is that if you’re reading this you are either: Laughing because you know exactly what I’m referring to, or you’re getting angry because you don’t want to think about it and I should just leave if I don’t like it.
(So I proceed with caution.)
In my effort to understand, I’ve asked a few folks here and there what they thought. Overwhelmingly they chuckle and agree, telling me it has always been that way and have stories to confirm it. I can’t help but to ask myself, “Why? What is so great about being miserable?”
Assuming there isn’t a secret misery society with a great scholarship program, there has to be something else. Is it life in general? Are there a great many people here on the brink of despair and struggling with what plagues them each day? Are drugs and alcohol more of a contributor than we’d care to admit? Are the children of the community neglected because mom and/or dad can’t seem to even take care of themselves? Is therea root of bitterness over past hang-ups, hurts or failures that have become a motivation to champion misery? No matter what the cause, I believe some level of awareness and concern is in order.
Jesus said: “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” (John 15:11)
Did you catch that? Jesus’ words are to bring us joy, not misery. Maybe we need more of them, then. The “things spoken” He refers to are about His love and us being able to be in it.
God loves you. So much so, that He would come here and become your misery.
Jesus takes your sin and takes your pain and gives you this great freedom to abandon your misery and hold fast to His joy. This is what the cross and empty tomb are all about. And it is all for you.
God’s joy in you. Sounds nice doesn’t it?
So what does this do then to our local competition? Let’s change the rules.
Share a smile and show a little happiness. Let go of bitterness and seek forgiveness. Seek the Lord and abide in His word. Share His joy. If you need help, speak up and don’t be so prideful. Pray for our community to be bathed in God’s joy. Laugh a little and let’s see who can win Mr. or Miss Congeniality.
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Editor’s note: Neil Vanderbush is the pastor of Messiah Lutheran Church, Pea Ridge. He can be contacted at P.O. Box 555, Pea Ridge, AR 72751, or by e-mail at [email protected].
Church, Pages 2 on 01/18/2012