Room Brighteners

ROOM BRIGHTENERS"

"A glad heart makes a cheerful countenance, but by sorrow of heart the spirit is broken." Proverbs 15:13 (The Amplified Bible)

I cut my teeth on conference ministry while serving at Sandy Cove Bible Conference, first as a teenager for three summers as summer staff member, and then for seven years serving as Vice-President of Program Ministries.

During those years, I was fascinated in watching how various members of the leadership team interacted with the people. It was an excellent training ground for what would be my privilege as I have served at America's KESWICK for the past twelve years.

One of the men whose life impacted mine, was Uncle Bob Palmer. Uncle Bob is the son of the founder of the ministry of Sandy Cove, and he was what I call a "room brightener." I noted that every time Uncle Bob walked into a room of people, it was like someone turned on the lights. He has a smile and laugh that downright infectious. He's one of those guys who you can laugh with before he even opens his mouth.

I couldn't help but think of Uncle Bob this morning as I read from Proverbs 15. Consider these three "room brightener" verses:

* "A glad heart makes a cheerful countenance, but by sorrow of heart the spirit is broken." Proverbs 15:13

* "All the days of the desponding and afflicted are made evil [by anxious thoughts and forebodings], but he who has a glad heart has a continual feast [regardless of circumstances]." - Proverbs 15:15 - The Amplified Bible

* The light in the eyes [of him whose heart is joyful] rejoices the hearts of others, and good news nourished the bones." Proverbs 15:30 - The Amplified Bible

You've met them -- as soon as you see them coming, you want to run the other way. They can dampen the brightest of moods, pour water on any excitement or good news with their "glass-half-full-mood-dampening" outlook on life. If you are optimistic, they will be pessimistic. They sigh. They moan. And if not careful, their "woe-is-me" attitude can become as infectious as chiggers! Instead of being "room brighteners" they are the "room darkeners!"

I want to be a "room brightener" not a "room-darkener!" Yes, times are tough, but God is good. Even in the midst of the insanity of life, you can be a "room brightener." Purpose today with God's help to light up someone else's life. -- Bill Welte is President and CEO of America's KESWICK

God's WORD for TODAY: Proverbs 15; Proverbs 22-24; 2 Corinthians 8

Great Quote: When you discover you've been leading only half a life, the other half is going to haunt you until you develop it. - Phillips Brooks