You've got to S M I L E :) :)

For the last month I have had a song stuck FIRMLY in my head. I find myself humming it, several times a day, every day. When I'm doing the dishes, I sing a few lines... when I dig a hole to plant a tree I belt it out to entertain my children.... when I walk my house I sing it under my breath.

My husband is thinking I am more than a little insane. Of course, he's thought that for a while now.

It occured to me last night that I usually don't have songs stuck so long and firmly in my mind. So I began to ponder, WHY this one? WHY now??

Right now I am happy. Very happy. My family has been greatly blessed and recently it seems that we are certainly living with our cup running over. (Psalm 23)

We have a new baby boy with dimples on both cheeks that make his smile just JUMP at you. Our children are beautiful and healthy and sweet. They truly are a blessing and a heritage. (Psalm 127)

We have a lovely home with land that just beckons us home and into the trees and wildlife. (Deuteronomy 11)

Sure, not EVERYTHING is going our way...
Our well water smells terrible, our yard is mostly mud, our dog does not come when we call her, and the house is so full of totes that a storage shed is very high on my to do list.

But by focusing on the good.... I am very happy. I am... content. I kind of feel like I am wallowing in contentedness, like a warm embrace I never want to leave.

Philippians 4:11
Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content:

1 Timothy 6:6-8
Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.

Hebrews 13:5
Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have.

One of my favorite bloggers, The Deliberate Agrarian spoke on this in his latest installment, "This matter of contentment could be considered a doctrine of the Christian faith. It is, or should be, a fundamental part of what it means to be a follower of Jesus Christ."

I think this is true. So I will keep reminding myself....

You've got to S M I L E
To be H A double P Y
Keep it in mind when you're blue
It's easy to spell and just as easy to do.

For my husband's sanity, I'll do it quietly when he is in earshot. :)

***
And for those who are Shirley Temple fans like myself, here are a couple more.