Open Up

Open Up to Joy and Love

"Lift up your heads, ye mighty gates;
behold, the King of glory waits;...
Fling wide the portals of your heart;
make it a temple set apart from
earthly use for heaven's employ,
adorned with prayer and love and joy."
(Lift Up your Heads, ye Mighty Gates)
(George Weissel, 1642; Methodist Hymnal 213)

       What does it take to be positive and happy? When we are sad, blue or hurt, what is the best way to fix ourselves? That's correct, "fix ourselves". We chose our moods and often hang on to our hurts and remorse. We are responsible for our attitudes and can work to adjust them.

        Several years ago while doing volunteer work in treatment facilities, it was common to see patients carrying a plastic garbage bag. It was called a "pity bag" and used to symbolize the emotional garbage that was being carried by the patient. I hope that those bags did well for the patient because they did me a lot of good. It is a helpful concept to know that we can chose to throw away our troubles. The tough part is learning how.

        There are two messages that we need to remember to keep on the positive side of life. First is to remember that God is with us and second is to:..Fling wide the portals of our hearts... and let Him help out. With His help we can throw away most garbage and stay positive.

Thought for Today: Our lives and weeks are full of choices that we need to make; routine and difficult. This week let us allow God to help us with the tough decisions. Let us pray about them.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, this week we pray for the peace and hope promised through our faith. We give prayers of joy for your gifts and the many blessings in our lives. We pray that through our example of love and joy we may influence those around us.
Amen