I had the honor of meeting some hard-working people as they graded shrimp fresh off a trawler. They stand on a concrete floor and separate shrimp by size for hours. I left that place smiling due to these amazing people, laughing and accepting a stranger with a camera.
In reminiscing this uplifting day, I am reminded of the scripture from Ecclesiastes 5:18 & 20 (NIV): “This is what I have observed to be good: that it is appropriate for a person to eat, to drink and to find satisfaction in their toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given them—for this is their lot. …They seldom reflect on the days of their life, because God keeps them occupied with gladness of heart.”
Many folks are struggling: health challenges, work issues, relationship problems, depression, addiction, hunger, and more. Take comfort-- there is an answer. There is hope. It boils down to attitude. Do we decide to wallow in our miseries or to have a happy heart? Help awaits those who ask—God Almighty. Know that peace and joy is yours when you truly accept Jesus.
The lyrics from A. Walker’s old hymn seem appropriate: “Sometimes, though my way, it gets so dreary, dark and cold…But I can just go to God in prayer. I know, I can find Him there to whisper hey, hey ,hey, hey sweet peace my soul”.
I Found Him…with smiling faces in a shrimp processing facility.