October 16, 2018 (Tuesday)
Each of us has a choice. We can dwell on the dark and unhappy experiences of life, let them get us down, and refuse to even try to think positive thoughts in the midst of our pain, or we can take a positive view of life, looking for the good, recognizing it when we see it and thanking God for it when we find it.
Joe Btfsplk was a character in the satirical comic strip Li’l Abner by cartoonist Al Capp (1909-1979). A small, dark rain cloud perpetually hovered over his head to symbolize his bad luck. Let us not live like Joe the jinx.
Let us live according to the Bible, which tells us to “rejoice,” following the example of the Apostle Paul, who said he had learned to be content no matter what the circumstances. In spite of the hardships he faced daily, I think it’s safe to say that he lived on “the sunny side of life.”
“It will help us every day, it will brighten all the way, If we’ll keep on the sunny side of life.”
Music starts at 49 seconds:
Ada Blenkhorn and Howard Entwisle
1899
There’s a dark and a troubled side of life.
There’s a bright and a sunny side too.
Though you meet with the darkness and strife,
The sunny side we also may view.
Keep on the sunny side, always on the sunny side,
Keep on the sunny side of life.
It will help us every day, it will brighten all the way,
If we’ll keep on the sunny side of life.
Oh, the storm and its fury broke today,
Crushing hopes that we cherish so dear.
Clouds and storms will in time pass away.
The sun again will shine bright and clear.
Keep on the sunny side, always on the sunny side,
Keep on the sunny side of life.
It will help us every day, it will brighten all the way,
If we’ll keep on the sunny side of life.
Let us greet with a song of hope each day.
Though the moments be cloudy or fair.
Let us trust in our Saviour always,
To keep us, every one, in His care.
Keep on the sunny side, always on the sunny side,
Keep on the sunny side of life.
It will help us every day, it will brighten all the way,
If we’ll keep on the sunny side of life.
If we’ll keep on the sunny side of life.