Gò0dNews for Kids
A Cheerful Heart
I
by Danny Hesterly
t’s summer! That’s something to be excited about.
Now to me, the kitchen held different importance
Let’s shout it out loud together. It’s S-U-M-M-E-R!
because it had the only TV connected to the Nintendo. Also,
That felt pretty good, right? I treasure this time of
nearly equal in importance as the TV was our only window
year because the days are long, and it brings back many
air conditioning unit in the house. Summertime in Southern
wonderful memories.
Illinois can be blistering hot, and sleeping in my bedroom
Growing up, on the last day of school, I would have
with only a box fan pushing hot air around was not my idea
this jittery excitement because I knew what awaited the
of a cool summer. So, my siblings and I would sort of take
next 2 ½ months for me and my siblings. Summer brought
over the kitchen each summer, enjoying countless hours
this special privilege of getting to stay up late each night
with one another while enjoying the cool breeze from the
playing the newest Nintendo video games with my sister
good old AC (short for air-conditioning). Proverbs 15:13 says, “A cheerful heart brings a smile to your face; a sad heart makes it hard to get through the day.” Summer is a great time to have fun and make wonderful memories with your family and friends. Did you notice what this proverb or piece of wisdom said? It said, “a cheerful heart brings a smile to your face.” A cheerful heart is a heart full of gratitude. Another way you could say that is a cheerful heart is a thankful heart. When you’re thankful, you’re showing an appreciation for something or that you treasure something special. I treasured my summers growing up as a kid because I knew there were things
and brother. Now, I’m talking about the old-school Nintendo
I got to do that I normally didn’t do while school was
Entertainment System (NES), also known as the best gaming
happening. I was thankful that my mom shared the kitchen
console ever made (at least in my opinion).
with us each summer.
It was only in summer that my brother and sister and
Take a moment and write down or tell a parent, sibling,
I were allowed to sleep in the kitchen. The kitchen was a
or friend some of the things you’d like to do this summer
special place in our home. The kitchen was where my mom
that will bring a smile to your face. I bet some of those
would cook some of the tastiest food I’ve ever eaten. It was
things will also bring a smile to a parent, sibling, or friend’s
also a place that introduced me to the flavors of Korean
face too. Here’s to a fantastic, fun, and memorable summer!
Every dish she served was full of dedication and love for her family.
8 // June 2022
About The Author
cuisine. This was my mom’s favorite room in the home. Danny Hesterly lives in Chattanooga, TN where he spends most of his days in coffee shops helping others discover their part in God’s amazing story. Danny has two children (12, 10) and has been married to his lovely bride for 17 years.
