They came one day for a visit and lunch. As we sat enjoying the food before us, the conversation flowed fast and swift as we tried to catch up on the last few weeks.
It was lunch with my granddaughters. Of course, we discussed school, grades, friends, Valentine’s Day, and the squabbles they had shared the last few days. What else would two sisters discuss?
The conversation was lively, loud, and filled with laughter. Lots of laughter. While the visit was a few days ago, it has remained in my thoughts since. The mere thought of the conversations we had still makes me laugh.
The memory also brings a word to mind – Winsome. Winsomeness has been defined as:
“That tasteful, appealing, ultra-magnetic quality … that ability to cause joy and genuine pleasure in the thick of it all.” (Chuck Swindoll)
It is a quality that makes our loads lighter and the day brighter. It leaves one motivated to do more. It fills the heart with hope.
“A joyful heart makes a cheerful face.” (Proverbs 15:13a, NASB)
“A cheerful heart has a continual feast.” (Proverbs 15:15a, NASB)
Our hearts will be reflected on our faces, and our hearts can be a continual feast for those around us. So what are practical steps we can take to develop this quality of winsomeness?
- Smile, a lot. Smile at those around you even as you go about your day. Whether you know them or not. As our faces exude cheer, others will be drawn to us. They will converse and share more readily.
- Say encouraging words, even do an encouraging act. A small act of encouragement can turn someone’s day around. Convey worth and appreciation to those around you.
- Be pleasant. Don’t wear your problems and concerns on your sleeve so others are aware of them.
Here’s one more reason to develop a winsome personality:
“A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones.”
(Proverbs 17:22, NASB)
A joyful heart is like good medicine,
bringing healing to those around us,
and maybe even the world.
We all have difficult people in our lives. In this post, Keeping Hope Alive as You Pray for a Difficult Person to Change, Lyli Dunbar and and Dr. Michelle Bengston share their wisdom and strategies. It’s a most helpful post sure to bring encouragement and hope as you pray for those difficult ones in your life.
Come, sit a spell. Bring your coffee, your posts, and your thoughts. If you link up, kindly visit those who have drawn up a seat around you.
Photo by Jacqueline MunguÃa on Unsplash
Today I am joining …
The word ”˜winsome’ always reminds me of the children’s boom ”˜Chrysanthemum’ by Kevin Henkes â¤ï¸ While me may not always have a naturally winsome personality, God see us that way, and we can certainly practice!
I will need to check that book out 🙂
Laughter, Just Like A Medicine by gospel recording artist BeBe Winans is a song I play at least once a day. The lyrics are taken directly from Proverbs 17:22. A merry heart sure does good like a medicine. In these trying times, we could all use more laughter and winsomeness.
Oh my gosh, Yvonne, I loved listening to this song just now! I have never heard it even though I have always loved BeBe & CeCe. When he sang, “just like Pepto Bismal”, I busted out laughing 🙂 We need songs like this and I thank you for sharing it!
Thanks for spreading this cheer today, Joanne. I appreciate people who easily give smiles; I’m certain you would be one of these people if I were to meet you in person!
I so appreciate that, Lisa. I hope one day we do meet as then we both will be smiling!
The word winsome is a beautiful word – and winsome people are refreshing to the soul! And laughter – oh my! What a winsome time you had with your grandgirlies!
You are right, Maryleigh. Winsome people are refreshing and when they are your grandchildren, well, it becomes a double blessing!
Have you ever met someone who looked like they were “weaned on a pickle?” It just doesn’t draw people to you. I want to be an encourager; and if I don’t know what to say, at least I can smile.
Thanks for the uplifting post today, Joanne.
Jerralea, I have never heard that saying and it brought a smile. I’m glad you stopped here!
What joyous times our grandkids bring us. They remind us to stop and laugh and enjoy the little things. I’m so glad the Bible promotes cheerfulness.
Here are a couple of my favorite quotes about cheerfulness and merriness:
“Keep company with the more cheerful sort of the godly; there is no mirth like the mirth of believers.” ~ Richard Baxter
“ A man without mirth is like a wagon without springs, in which everyone is caused disagreeably to jolt by every pebble over which is runs.” ~ Henry Ward Beecher
I loved these quotes, Barbara, especially the first one. I once read that Spurgeon was once criticized for being too humorous. His remark was that the person only knew the half because he held back. May we be a cheerful sort of the godly.
What a grand time with your granddaughters! I appreciate you sharing this, Joanne, “Winsome is a quality that makes our loads lighter and the day brighter. It leaves one motivated to do more. It fills the heart with hope.”
Indeed ma’am! Thank you for brightening my day!
An uplifting and encouraging post, Joanne. Thank you for sharing cheer and joy. Smiling is good for us and for the one with whom we are sharing.
Smiling and cheer is good for everyone.
I’m smiling while reading this message. Yes, smile, share encouragement, show God’s love to others. 🙂
This is the second post in a row about joy. I’m listening, God.
I’m glad you enjoyed your time with your granddaughters. I’m sure we could all do with developing some more winsomeness.
I love that you had special time with your granddaughters Joanne 🤗
And love the word Winsome!
Blessings,
Jennifer
I find that when I live to encourage I’M encouraged! When I seek to give others joy, I find joy! Isn’t it wonderful how God created us to benefit from what we give others?
Oh amen, Nancy.
So drawn into that scenario with your girls! I finally have a grandgirl to hangout with.
And let’s promise ourselves to be winsome even as we grow old!
I am so glad you now have a grandgirl! And yes, let’s promise ourselves to be winsome even as we grow old. That’s a promise I truly want to keep!
So true that a joyful heart is a medicine to the soul—for others and ourselves! Sometimes it is a sacrifice we must make when we don’t feel joyful. It’s always worth it! Have a blessed week! Thanks for the link up!
You have made such a good point. Sometimes we do need to be intentional in our cheer but the sacrifice always is worth it. I am so glad you linked up!
Winsome people are my favorite, Joanne. And so is smiling””that’s one thing I missed the most when everyone was wearing masks … not being able to see other people’s smiles. My mom had a huge smile and always used it … I’m so thankful for that heritage. 🙂
Joanne, what beautiful, practical and simple wisdom. I love this, “Our hearts will be reflected on our faces, and our hearts can be a continual feast for those around us. ” Yes! It doesn’t take much energy to smile. I’ve found it often changes our mood and perspective to a positive one just by this one simple act.