Let's Go To The Circus: The Clown

A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. 

Proverbs 17:22

A small boy spied a clown on the street corner holding up an advertising sign. He turned to his mother and asked, “Mother, is that a real clown or just someone dressed up like a clown?” To children a clown is a real person.

Although some children are afraid of clowns, most of us are drawn to the colorful clothes and makeup of these characters. Ronald McDonald is probably today’s most recognized clown .  Emmett Kelly is the most famous circus clown of all times. He created a hobo character called “Weary Willie.” Willie drew sympathy from the crowds as he tried to sweep up the spotlight in the center ring. It kept moving and kept the crowd laughing. Kelly’s “sad sack face” is captured in bronze in the Missouri capitol rotunda.

Clowns bring smiles to our faces. Cheerful people do the same. We are all drawn to the person with a smile and a kind word. 

Some people have innate cheerful natures. They seem to come into this world with smiles on their faces. Others develop a sanguine personality as they realize what a wonderful world God made. They grow a spirit of optimism. I am often amazed at the change in an older person who accepts Christ. They exude joy. Oh that all Christians could catch some of that “joyous spirit.” Some of us just need a rekindling. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me ( Psalm 51:12).

Then there are those who seem to wallow in misery. They aren’t happy and they don’t want others to be. We’ve all been around these negative people. No matter how hard you try, you can’t seem to please them. “Woe is me” seems to be their motto. The world has “done them wrong,” and they want you to know it.

Which are you? Examine your attitude. Do you try to find positive things to talk about or are you always discussing “gloom and doom?” Please don’t knock on my door!

Nowhere is a cheerful spirit needed more than in the home. Mothers and wives, you set the personality of the home. Your attitude permeates the atmosphere. Yes, I know many of you live with demanding and sometimes un-Christ like mates. Others have rebellious children who continually test your patience. Still, you can help any situation if you display a cheerful attitude. Ask the Lord to help you achieve this.

Put on your blinders and blot out the world of turmoil and decay. See the world God has given us through the eyes of an optimist. Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! (Philippians 4:4). 

Dear Father, We don’t always choose our circumstances, but we do our attitudes. Lead us to choose a cheerful spirit and show Christ to the world.

Janice Yandell