What a difference one little word can make. Like in this quote for instance: “Some cause happiness wherever they go; others, whenever they go.” I smile knowingly when I read that. I’ve known both kinds, haven’t you?

People that cause happiness have an ease, are upbeat and cheerful and seem genuinely interested in others. They are not whiners but they are real about their life and their feelings. They can laugh at themselves. Their “Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones” (Proverbs 16:24).

And then we look at the other kind – the “whenever” kind. Proverbs 16 goes on with descriptions like these: digs up evil, sows strife, a violent man, devise(s) perverse things, and brings about evil (Verses 27-30). Yup! We are glad to see that type go.

Which one am I? Well of course, I think to myself, I’m the one sprinkling happiness, don’t cha know? But I wonder if everyone else sees it that way? I’m going to start listening to myself a little harder and see how much honey is in my tongue. I’d like to taste sweet to someone else’s soul. I’d like to bring health to their bones. I’d like to cause happiness wherever I go and have people sad whenever I go.