<\/p>\n
Crown\u2019d with the sickle, and the wheaten sheaf,
While Autumn, nodding o\u2019er the yellow plain,
Comes jovial on.
(James Thompson)<\/p>\n
ALTHOUGH WE\u2019RE ALMOST DONE WITH AUTUMN FOR THIS YEAR, IT\u2019S GOOD TO CARRY A LITTLE OF AUTUMN\u2019S JOVIALITY INTO THE COMING WINTER. The quiet restfulness of the cold season will need to be punctuated with the gladness that is such a natural part of the harvest time. Indeed, it wouldn\u2019t hurt us to partake of a little joviality throughout the year. \u201cJovial\u201d travels in the company of words like these: playful, genial, cheerful, merry, and mirthful. These are good words. Shouldn\u2019t they describe us more often?<\/p>\n
To be fair, we should admit that we sometimes overestimate the importance of things like joviality. We shouldn\u2019t expect to be in a jovial mood all of the time, and we shouldn\u2019t see that sort of happiness as the ultimate goal of life. But still, if it\u2019s not the most important thing, neither is it totally unimportant. It has its place, and when it makes an appearance, we need to enjoy every bit of it. \u201cHappiness makes up in height for what it lacks in length\u201d (Robert Frost).<\/p>\n
It comes down to our choice of perspective. There are certainly many serious issues in life that have to be dealt with, and they should be dealt with seriously. There are even some discouraging, depressing, and degrading realities in the world, and these can\u2019t be ignored. But what should be our basic, overall perspective? Where should we put the greater emphasis: on things we despise or on things we\u2019re thankful for? I believe we gain an advantage when we adopt the latter perspective, the thankful one, and since we\u2019re in a particularly jovial season of the year right now, let\u2019s enjoy it!<\/p>\n
You may have noticed that joviality is contagious. If there are seasons and circumstances we enjoy, it\u2019s a special treat to enjoy them in the company of others. There\u2019s really nothing in life more pleasant than shared joy. So at this time of year, we need to be grateful for those with whom we have the privilege of being jovial. Winter is just beginning. Before it\u2019s over, we\u2019ll need the memory of some mirth!<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen large numbers of people share their joy in common, the happiness of each is greater because each adds fuel to the other\u2019s flame\u201d (Augustine of Hippo).<\/p>\n
Gary Henry \u2013 WordPoints.com + AreYouaChristian.com<\/p>\n