Dan Czaplewski posted on February 06, 2008 15:02
Today is Ash Wednesday. In our church, we will be offering the imposition of ashes to those who desire to mark the beginning of Lent in that way. The cross smudged on your forehead is a symbol of humility and repentance.
Christians don’t have the market cornered on symbols. One of the most popular cultural symbols was the smiley face. You remember the smiley face, at least if you’re as old as I am you do. The bright yellow button with the simple smiling face that proclaimed, “have a nice day.” In 1971 alone, 50 million smiley face buttons were sold.
The smiley face was first drawn by Harvey Ball, a commercial artist from Massachusetts. He created the smiley face as part of a morale-boosting campaign for an insurance company. It may surprise you to know that Harvey Ball made only $45 for his idea. He never copyrighted the image and never received any royalties.
When Harvey Ball died in April 2001, his son Charles wrote in his father’s obituary that Harvey Ball was never bitter about the small amount of money he earned from the smiley face. He never regretted forgoing the copyright or the recognition. In fact, Harvey Ball didn’t really think that the smiley face was a very significant achievement in his life. What Harvey Ball took justifiable pride in was the Bronze Star he was awarded for heroism at the battle of Okinawa in World War II.
I guess Harvey Ball had his priorities straight. I pray that the season of Lent will help reorder your priorities. Take some time to be with God today and take some extra time each day of this Lenten season.