The Glad Game

One of my favorite movies is Pollyanna.  It's about a sweet little orphan girl who went to live with her wealthy aunt after her missionary parents passed away.  Her aunt is cold and bossy and most people in the town are unfriendly and distant.  Pollyanna brings up the "glad game" in one of the scenes.  The house staff is grumbling and complaining about how horrible Sunday's are and how much they dread them.  After explaining their reasons for complaint, they very sarcastically ask Pollyanna - "Ok, now what can you possibly find to be glad about that?!?"  She is quiet for a moment, thinking very intently then suddenly replies - "It's six whole days until it comes around again!"   She encourages and uplifts those around her in the movie.  She is positive and looks for the good in everything.  Her attitudes in this movie make me think of this.

1 Thessalonians 5:11-24

 ¹¹ Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

 ¹² Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. ¹³ Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other.¹⁴ And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. ¹⁵ Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.

 ¹⁶ Rejoice always, ¹⁷ pray continually, ¹⁸ give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

 ¹⁹ Do not quench the Spirit. ²⁰ Do not treat prophecies with contempt ²¹ but test them all; hold on to what is good, ²²reject every kind of evil.

 ²³ May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. ²⁴ The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.

I woke up this morning, knowing this is what I wanted to write about.  Guess what? - I had a very hard time following this today!  It was ONE of THOSE days today.  I am thankful, I am glad - just completely overwhelmed.  Praise the Lord for my sweet husband, kids, parents, and friends that are encouragers.  Sorry if you suffered my moments of "non-gladness" today - the discussions and rantings of my frustrations.  As my sweet Charles pointed out - there are times when you must change your circumstances due to abuse, being taken advantage of, or most importantly God's leading.  I am on the hunt and praying God will open that exact door which is going to be so extremely amazing and make me glad!  I appreciate and treasure your encouragement and prayers!  Many blessing and much love to all of you!