We are not blind to the complexities of our lives and surroundings. We are not naive about how difficult this world and this life can be. I dislike the disrespect afforded Pollyana because she was not as pollyanaish as she has been characterized.

She was an optimist who played the "Glad game" until it was not game at all. It became a lens through which she interpreted her world.

The psalmist could see the crud and mud of life and still seek God and rejoice in hope.

Ezekiel knew the devastation of captivity and looked for the deliverance and restoration of the people. He was glad to serve a God who could both judge and forgive.

Paul knew degradation and imprisonment and understood that all people suffer. He was more than an optimist. He was an overcomer.

Pollyana was also an overcomer and wherever she went, people were infected with gladness.

So be it in and through our lives. Let us be glad in the Lord.

The readings for today are here  (Day 52o) and the excerpts  that grabbed my heart are below:

You have turned for me my mourning into dancing;
you have loosed my sackcloth
and clothed me with gladness,
that my glory may sing your praise and not be silent.
O LORD my God, I will give thanks to you forever! (Psalm 30:11-12, ESV)

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will counsel you with my eye upon you.
Be not like a horse or a mule, without understanding,
which must be curbed with bit and bridle,
or it will not stay near you. (Psalm 32:8-9, ESV)

Why are you cast down, O my soul,
and why are you in turmoil within me?
Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,
my salvation and my God. (Psalm 42:10-11, ESV)

Then they shall know that I am the LORD their God, because I sent them into exile among the nations and then assembled them into their own land. I will leave none of them remaining among the nations anymore. And I will not hide my face anymore from them, when I pour out my Spirit upon the house of Israel, declares the Lord GOD.” (Ezekiel 39:28-29, ESV)

I can do all things through him who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13, ESV)

And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen. (Philippians 4:19-20, ESV)

The full movie: