Today is pi (π) Day here in the United States. Since we write our dates as month-day-year, that would be 3-14-2022. The estimate of the value of pi is often memorized as 3.14, Therefore, to have a little fun and indulge my interest in mathematics, I like to celebrate every year. I was, for years, a math teacher in the public school system. Often, Pi Day fell during my Spring Break, so I could not celebrate with my students. There were those times, though, when March 14 was on a school day and I could have a little more fun with my students. They grumbled (often) about the usual work I made them do in my classes, but they enjoyed any day in class that involved snacks! More importantly, they could see their teacher excited about the subject she was teaching, and wanted them to get excited about it too.
I was thinking this morning how often I do NOT smile. When I sit at home, I look around and frown at how much there is out of place. I frown when my own kids are arguing with each other. I frown when I look at our long list of bills. I frown when I read most news stories. Sadly, I am frowning more than I am smiling. That is not how it should be, though. Where has my optimism gone? Where is my joy? Have I forgotten how to enjoy life? Better get that Bible of mine open!
My joy cannot be based in circumstances. My joy must come from the Lord. No matter what is going on, there is still hope. No matter how defeated I may feel (looking at the stack of dirty pots and pans), I am not alone. I am loved. I am wanted. I can be used for the greater Kingdom. By letting others know how I have joy, others may have joy too, snacks or not. God is the Creator of life. He said it was "good". Sin has tried to destroy that, but there is still good in this world. I need to look passed myself and see that there is more to life than grime and annoyances. Let us all rejoice in the Good, and let it show outwardly. Maybe a smile wouldn't hurt.
2 Peter 1:5-8 (Christian Standard Bible)
For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with goodness, goodness with knowledge, knowledge with self-control, self-control with endurance, endurance with godliness, godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being useless or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Chronicles 16:10 (CSB)
Boast in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice.
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