Folklore in Ireland tells of a blacksmith named Jack who’s waiting at the pearly gates. Denied admittance, he hollows out a turnip and places a burning coal ember in it for a lamp to light the way in search of a final home.  When the Irish came to America during the potato famine of the mid-19th century, they swapped turnips for pumpkins and carved scary faces on them.  With a name like “Jack O’Lantern,” you knew the Irish were involved somehow.

As you carve your pumpkin this month, follow Broadway’s pop prescription:
“Gray skies are gonna clear up;
Put on a happy face.”
Graham Cooke recalls hearing someone tell his grumpy friend to “Die quietly.  Nobody likes to hear you scream.”

Better still is the Old Testament’s admonition to “make a joyful noise unto the Lord.”  That’s hard to do masked by a frown.  So, if you’re happy, tell your face!

What gives you joy today?  Real joy?

“The LORD make His face shine on you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up His countenance on you and give you peace.”   Numbers 6:25-26