A Snow Day with Pollyanna

Scripture

"So rejoice in the Lord and be glad, all you who obey him! Shout for joy, all you whose hearts are pure!" – Psalms 31:11

Be Glad

In lower Alabama, we had a snowstorm. We got around six inches of snow. Everything shut down for a week—no school, no work, and lots of family time. My husband was out of town, so my son and I ate waffles every morning for breakfast and then watched a movie. As we cuddled on the sofa on our first day off, I grabbed the remote and started searching for the perfect family movie. Then it hit me—Pollyanna.

It was one of my favorite movies growing up. I found it on Disney and hit play. The opening scene had me smiling. The train rolled into town, met by women in beautiful dresses and children playing everywhere. Then Pollyanna exited the locomotive, dressed plainly but with a bright smile. Here was a child orphaned at a young age, moving in with an aunt she barely knew. But she continued to be glad. Her father had taught her to always find joy in every situation.

Growing up, Pollyanna always wanted a doll. Her parents, being missionaries, had very little money. They sent her wish to the missionary home office, and in response, they received crutches. Pollyanna’s father said they should be glad they didn’t need them. He called it the glad game. As the young girl shared her stories of gladness around town, her optimism became contagious. The town experienced a revival. People stopped looking for the bad in others and started seeing the good. Even the preacher realized he was the greatest offender of negativity. His sermons transformed from messages of condemnation to rejoicing in God’s goodness.

When Pollyanna was hurt and required surgery, the entire town arrived at her door. As an adult, this scene brought tears to my eyes. When we let God in and see people from His perspective, joy and kindness flow out of us. That is when we can make a difference for Him. People need to see God’s light. There is a lot of darkness in the world. Sometimes the evil around me feels overwhelming. But not on this day. As the snow fell and my little boy cuddled with me, God’s light shone brightly in my den. I saw how God could use one person to bring light to an entire community.

It may have been a work of fiction, but for me, it was the message I needed: Be glad. Find the good in people. Find the good in disappointing situations. Allow God to work through you when serving others. Never lose hope because our God is always at work.

Biblical Lesson

King David did not have an easy life. He began his career as a shepherd, waking up early to watch over his flock in the hot sun while fighting off wild animals. In his free time, he sang praises to God. This deep connection with his Heavenly Father remained with David for the rest of his life. He knew God was with him. Samuel's prophecy solidified God's calling on his life—David would be king one day.

The day he became king, David also learned that his best friend was dead. David still rejoiced and had gladness in his heart. As his kingship unfolded, trials continued. David's son Absalom tried to overthrow him, and David went on the run. During this time, David wrote psalms rejoicing in God's goodness. David remained glad in a cave, hiding from Absalom's army. He knew how to play the glad game!

God was on David's side. His general killed Absalom, and David returned to the palace. As his rule continued, David never lost his connection with God. There were times he questioned, vented, and complained, but David's hope remained. The praise continued, and so did his gladness.

Prayer

Lord, help me to see the good in every situation, just as Pollyanna and King David did. Let me rejoice in Your unending goodness. Fill my heart with joy that overflows to others, so that Your light may shine brightly through me. Amen.