Scatter Sunshine

I have been thinking a lot about what my word for the year might be.  Last year it was Abundance, the year before that iChoose, and though I didn't write about it and it was more than one word, the year before that was The Most Important Thing.  I have posted my word, or phrase, somewhere I would see it often and give myself pause and reflection on my life.  Sometimes I wanted to chuck my reminder out the window (who wants to remember that iChoose my reactions and attitudes!).  But overall, it's been a good thing.  So...here is this years:

I have to say, this has previously been one of the more annoying hymns to me, with it's dramatic slur at the end taking only those with a perfect range to sing it on all the right notes. (though if sitting by my mother we would always giggle through the song because someone else always  loved the slur). We also sang it almost every day in seminary when Katie Whatsernamewhodatedmatt was in charge of the music.  Anyway, I have come to love it as I have studied this no longer annoying song.

Scatter Sunshine

written by Lanta Wilson Smith, 

 

In a world where sorrow

Ever will be known, 

Where are found the needy

And the sad and lone,

How much joy and comfort

You can all bestow, 

If you scatter sunshine

Everywhere you go.

Slightest actions often

Meet the sorest needs, 

For the world wants daily

Little kindly deeds. 

Oh what care and sorrow

You may help remove,

with your songs and courage, 

Sympathy and love.

When the days are gloomy, 

Sing some happy song;

Meet the world's repining 

With a courage strong.

Go with faith undaunted

Thru the ills of life;

Scatter smiles and sunshine

O'er its toil and strife.

Scatter sunshine all along your way.

Cheer and bless and brighten 

Every passing day-ay!!!!

 Scatter sunshine all along your way.

Cheer and bless and brighten

Every passing day.

Doesn't it just give you hope!  Let your light shine and help in little ways and you yourself can come out smiling.

A week ago I had to teach on this subject in our Relief Society.  This is our theme for the year (see how clever I am to come up with the same thing???  Convenient too.) Anyway, we are really trying to just be a happier group of gals, and yet my lesson focused mostly on service and letting our light shine and not hiding it under a bushel.  I think having the light and sharing it is how we scatter sunshine and have happiness in our lives.  I hope, in the next few days, to write a little bit more about why we hide it and how to take the proverbial bushel off of our lights!  For now, go out and scatter some sunshine!