“The RoseBouquet”

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! (Phil. 4:4).

We need to know that to be joyful or to rejoice, is not intended to be optional. God wants us to rejoice. Not only to bless and please Him, though it will surely do that, but as we shall learn as we go along, it is for our own good, our health, when we are glad.

From personal experience I know that good things, and kindness from others will be attracted to us when we go about cheerful, contented, and singing God’s praises in the midst of whatever is happening to us that day.

Have you read the book, Pollyanna? It’s about an orphaned daughter of missionaries, who was sent to stay with her bitter maiden aunt. Pollyanna had been taught to rejoice and see the positive in every situation. By this attitude she influenced a number of people in that community and eventually her aunt had a change of heart too.

I loved that old classic. So I am always upset when someone says rather sarcastically, “Oh, don’t be so Pollyannish!” As if that’s a bad thing to be. The American Heritage Dictionary says for Pollyanna: n. A person regarded as being foolishly or blindly optimistic.

Hummph!

The Online Etymology Dictionary defines it a bit better; “one who finds cause for gladness in the most difficult situations,” 1921, in allusion to Pollyanna Whittier, child heroine of U.S. novelist Eleanor Hodgman Porter’s “Pollyanna” (1913) and “Pollyanna Grows Up” (1915), noted for keeping her chin up during disasters.

I just learned a lot more about this classic and the sequels that were written, on this helpful page; en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pollyanna And if you want to sample the book, it is online here; Bibliomania.com/0/0/39/77/frameset.html However, reading the whole thing may become awkward as it is in frames that are too small.

Let me get back on track with my thoughts. I’m convinced that I have great peace and contentment when I keep constantly in mind that God loves me, and is looking after me, and no serious harm can befall me when I’m doing the work He has given me to do. You will always attract more friends and help from strangers when you have a glad or satisfied attitude, and just brighten the corner wherever you are.

Tell me, are you attracted to those who are morose and ready to talk about their troubles in a bitter or resigned way as soon as you appear to have a moment to listen? Don’t you try to escape from them as soon as you can?

My conclusion is that I would rather choose to be glad and win people than to drive them away. I would rather make the mistake of being too cheerful than not enough - at least to the degree I’m able. It will keep me in better health, and surrounded with good friends, and it will please the One who made us in the first place, intending us to shine like sunbeams and stars.

Just as Ruthe in my novel sets an example of someone who enjoys intimacy with God, Pollyanna in Eleanor Porter’s book, set an example of a glad and winsome attitude. Let’s follow both of them. It is so much easier when you can watch someone modeling a lifestyle.

Read sample chapters of my first novel online, starting at the index

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