By Kathy Pollard
One thing I love about Neal is how he goes about his tasks cheerfully. Whether he’s mucking out the barn or helping out with household chores, I can usually hear him alternating between whistling and singing. He has been that way our entire marriage and it makes my heart smile every time.
I’m sure his joyful attitude makes the job more pleasant for him, but it affects those around him, too. The way he tackles projects with a good spirit lifts mine. It always convicts me and reminds me to consider my own demeanor. Too many times I catch myself sighing, grumbling, or stressing. If Neal’s happiness rubs off on me, then my whininess must rub off on him. If his whistling lifts my heart, then what does my squawking do to his? And even more sobering, how does it affect God’s?
God loves a cheerful giver (2 Cor. 9:7).
Do all things without grumbling…(Phil. 2:14).
A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones (Prov. 17:22).
The light of the eyes rejoices the heart, and good news refreshes the bones (Prov. 15:30).
And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him (Col. 3:17).
Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ (Col. 3:23-24).
Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world (Phil. 2:14-15).
For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do (Heb. 6:10).
Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness (Rom. 12:6-8).
Show hospitality to one another without grumbling (1 Pet. 4:9).
God loves an engaged heart (Matt. 15:8). Whatever I’m doing today, I’m going to try to be more mindful of what my face looks like while I’m doing it. I’m going to try to speak cheerfully and smile gratefully. I imagine all my tasks will be more pleasant. I know it’ll affect those around me. And more than anything, I pray it will please and glorify God.
Life and Favor (Job 10:12) 