Be merry
(Ecclesiastes 8:15)

     Chester A. Arthur (1829-1886) became the 21st President of the United States, in September 1881, after President James Garfield died from wounds received in a July assassination attempt. A year after taking office, Arthur was diagnosed with a fatal kidney condition called Bright's disease. Knowing that there was a possibility that he might not live out his term, he chose to be happy and enjoy what time he had left. Pretending that nothing was wrong, he filled his life with merriment by refurbishing the White House and throwing lavish dinner parties for his and his guest's enjoyment. As a result, he lived beyond all expectations. He survived his nearly four years in office and lived another year and a half beyond that.
     Chester Arthur is proof that "a merry heart doeth good like a medicine" (Prov 17:22). Therefore "let thine heart be merry" (Judg 19:6). For "the joy of the Lord is your strength" (Neh 8:10).