Parable of the Weight of Happiness
Psalm 34:1-22
Illustration

"Let's get weighed and have our fortunes told," said Jean.

"Let me get weighed first," said Marie.

"I've got four pennies," said the mother, "so, all of you can get weighed."

"Let John be first. He weighs the most." said Dick.

"I weigh 145 pounds. That's wonderful. I bet I'll weigh 155 by football season," said John.

"You get on next, Dick."

"Gosh, I still only weigh 137 pounds and I've been that weight for over a year." Dick responded.

"Gee, I weigh 122 pounds," said Marie. "I'll have to reduce."

"And I weigh 115 pounds," said Jean.

"Is that good or bad?" asked John.

"I don't know," said Jean. "I'm happy and I feel good."

"I would like to weigh more," said Dick, "but I guess I'll have to be happy the way I am."

It is true that millions worry over their weight. Some wishing to lose and some wishing to gain with their health and happiness being marred or blessed by being nearer what insurance interests consider as a healthy standard.

When sorrow and anxiety is real, the weight of the problems at hand seems unbearable. When joy and success is at hand, then, no matter what the weight of the flesh, the human spirit moves us with buoyancy.

When we are happy, we not only are better able to carry our own load, but also we help others to lift their burdens.

Happiness has a very light weight and, if we remember the joy of a risen Lord, the promises of Christ, God's love for mankind, we have a real cause for happiness and good reason to bless others with our cheerfulness and contagious faith.

We do well to follow the psalmist, when he said, "I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the Lord: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad.

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