Years ago, I walked into a convenience store at 6 a.m. and immediately asked, “Why is everybody so happy in here?”

The only person in the store was the cashier, who looked like she was sucking a lemon.

She showed her displeasure with my attitude and said, “There is nobody in here. You must be crazy!”

“I might be, but at least I’m happy!”

She then smiled. I told her to smile again and she did.

“I didn’t know you had teeth.”

She laughed and I continued, “Until you smiled, I didn’t realize you were pretty.”

I reminded her that there is no cosmetic for beauty like having joy.

As I left, she said, “Have a nice day!”

No, she didn’t tell me I made her feel good, but I sensed she had a change of attitude in just a few minutes.

The Bible says that the Joy of the Lord is my strength.

That morning I didn’t quote Scripture, but allowed the Joy of the Lord to touch someone who was maybe having a rough day.

When I first became a Christian, I remember hearing a message which stated that too many so-called Christians are fast to say they have Jesus in their hearts, but forget to notify their face.

I am reminded that there is no joy above the joy of the heart and no one can take it from you.

To have joy in your life, keep in mind the letters J O Y — Jesus first, Other people second, and then Yourself.

If you have any questions or comments, please write Harold Keller at Get High on Life, P.O. Drawer U, Reserve, LA 70084, call 985-652-8477 or email hkeller@comcast.net.