Maintaining a Merry Heart

“It has been nuts today! We have had hundreds of people in the store.” the young lady stated. She served me last evening, February 13, in the Shopper’s Drug Mart photo department. She described a day that was packed with customers looking for Valentine Gifts.

As I looked around I could see her point, there were hundreds of people milling around the candy and Valentines gift section. The people were lined up about 12 deep at the cash register and more were coming. It was about 9:30 PM in the evening.

About two thirds were men buying a last minute item – with few things left on the shelves to purchase.

Yesterday and today more candy will be sold than at any other time in North America.

AND – No I wasn’t buying a Valentine card or gift! I am more romantic than that – I am taking my wife to a Hockey Game tonight! Shish!

I read yesterday that this tradition is now unofficially been given a new name, “Hallmark holiday” in honour of the card company that works so hard to produce one product for one day’s use.

A long time ago a very wise man penned some words that are best to remember all year round – AND these words are all about the Heart.
Proverbs 15:12-14 (New King James Version)
12 A scoffer does not love one who corrects him, Nor will he go to the wise. 13 A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance, But by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken. 14 The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge, But the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness.

Two special thoughts are fastened in the center of this text – a Merry Heart and Heart of Sorrow. The NIV bible puts it this way - 13 A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit.

The people that were buying gifts last evening didn’t look happy. My question that surfaced last evening was, ‘I wonder when the last time that they had laughed?’ I guess you don’t laugh when the shelves are empty and you have forgotten to get something…!

A Merry or Happy Heart is the best medicine that we can give each other. In fact it is as good as or better than any medicine that Shopper’s Drug Mart might dispense.

As I waited for my photos to come out of the machine, the young lady was joking with another staff member. Together they laughed with glee. These gals had been there through the thick and thin of one very busy shift – but they still giggled together. Both faces shone. I want them to be my ‘helpers’ next time I shop in the store –in fact I will look them up next time to see how they are doing. What a difference a giggle makes!

Earlier...

On my way home from my office yesterday I stopped by Emma’s house (Emma is our granddaughter). She was sitting at the dinning room table doing her French Homework. I called out to Emma, “Do you have lots of homework Emma?”

She said, “I have homework up to my ‘Wazoo’!”

I asked her, “Emma, what is your ‘Wazoo’ en Francais?”

She grinned and said, “Je n’est sais pas..” We all laughed again. (meaning... "I don't know")

May this day be one of laughter for you. May you find one person to giggle with. May you be able to laugh long and deeply through whatever you are facing.

And when you are up to your ‘Wazoo…’ smile a little and then giggle… it is so much better than the other stuff!

~ Pastor Murray Lincoln ~

Want to know all about Valentines Day try http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valentine