More thoughts on Pollyanna

 

I saw the movie years ago but decided I'd better read the book before posting much more about Pollyanna.  I was surprised at what a good read it is.  Our excellent director of acquisitions (thanks Debra) secured the sequel for me through inter-library loan and I started that yesterday; Pollyanna Grows Up.   


It is notable that in the sequel, the very unhappy Mrs. Carew did not want a 'dose' of Pollyanna, as her sister Della suggests.  She did not want a 'priggish' child preaching to her and telling her to "count my mercies".  Della knows that it is so much more than that.  The "Glad" game is nothing more than simple gratitude.

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

Pollyanna simply chooses to find something to be grateful for in every situation.  So simple, but a concept that literally changes the atmosphere. 


I found this lovely little page that has a list of scriptures about gratitude.  Have a wonderful day!


Gratitude Scriptures

Happy Valentine's Day

"For God so loved the world that He gave his only Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3 16

Comment your favorite scripture about the Father's love...

I'm Gettin' Over It

I have made a huge decision today.  I am embracing the fact that I am a Pollyanna and proud of it.  Not familiar with the metaphor?  Pollyanna was a best selling novel in 1913 by Eleanor Porter and was later adapted for film; first starring Mary Pickford (1920) and later released by Disney (1960) starring Hayley Mills.  Granted, I am not an orphan and I do not have a rich Aunt Polly, but like the title character, I am just generally happy.  Not always, my kids can tell you, but most of the time. 

It has been said at times in my past that "if you are happy, then something is wrong.  You must not be living for the Lord or you would be having struggles. You cannot always be happy, but you can always have joy."  Uh huh, I bought that for a lot of years but guess what.  That is not scriptural.  Ok, if you want to argue that happiness and joy are two different things, go ahead.  Either way, most of the time it's a choice.

"Let not your heart be troubled, you believe in God, believe also in me." John 14:1  Let = choice

I have looked up about 30 scriptures today that deal with the heart.  It is definitely a heart thing.  "Out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks." Matt12:34.  It's true, isn't it?  Our church family has been working on making good deposits into our hearts, so that the overflow will reflect Jesus and not our flesh.  It's not easy, but it is such a blessing.

Where is it hardest?  At home and at work?  I'd love to hear your comments about how you handle negative speech and attitudes in yourself, your loved ones, and in the workplace.