Last Thursday while enjoying a day at Dollywood Amusement Park, Sevierville, TN, with Pastor’s Pals and their parents, we ate our supper next to the Country Cookers Kettle Korn Shop. We were all drawn to the bibbed-overalled man stirring the large pot of corn in the kettle. He was a tall, lean gentleman with a voice that drew you in. Although it was evening and the temperature was still hot, this man in his long-sleeved shirt and sanitized protection gear stirred his kettle with vigorous strokes and a joyful work ethic. He sang and/or spoke to almost everyone who came by as well as laughed and encouraged the other employees at his stand. When he wasn’t making a new batch of corn, he was inviting people over to try a free sample of what he called with a chuckle, “brain food.” He’d say, “Come on over and get you a sample of some brain food! Oh, yes ma’am; here, try some braaaaiiinnnn food!” Then with a chuckle and a huge grin, he’d say, “Get you a handful of happiness! Oh, yes, more happiness! Join the brain food party!!” While pouring out a new batch of kettle corn from his pot, he would repeatedly say, “Another bowl of blessings! Yes, another bowl of blessings!” We waited for his last batch of the evening, fresh caramel corn. Wow! So very good! As we sat nearby enjoying his “happy food,” he clocked out, walked over to our table, gave us a hug and a goodnight blessed greeting, and joyfully headed for home!
Indeed, there were many wonderful moments throughout the day at Dollywood, but Brian made a real impact on those of us gathered around his kettle korn shop. Have you been in the Word this morning soaking up the “brain food” so you can distribute “handfuls of happiness” today to those who come your way? Will you be singing and praising the Lord along the way as you choose joy even in your “hot work” environment? Will you be thankful for every “bowl of blessing” that God sends your way?
You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound. (Ps. 4:7)
You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. (Ps. 16:11)
May we shout for joy over your salvation, and in the name of our God set up our banners! May the Lord fulfill all your petitions! (Ps. 20:5)
And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me, and I will offer in his tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing and make melody to the Lord. (Ps. 27:6)
Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart! (Ps. 32:11)
God keeps him occupied with joy in his heart. (Ecclesiastes 5:20)
Now that’s real “brain food,” “handfuls of happiness,” and “a bowl of blessing”!!
From A Pastor's Heart 