One Sunday morning I went to church really early. Since it was going to be some time before the service began, I sat in the church’s cafe area. I attend a very large church with multiple campuses and several services, so it is impossible to know, recognize, or even see everyone who is a part of the congregation. So as I waited there before going into the sanctuary, I enjoyed watching the people as they arrived. I especially took notice of the arrival of a family of four. I chuckled as I watched the little girl wearing a pink tutu strut proudly in front of her parents. But then I saw her brother and he saw me. He smiled and he waved. He smiled and he smiled and he kept on smiling. I smiled and waved in response. We connected because we had something in common. We were both in wheelchairs. I don’t know if I was a blessing to him or if he was just a blessing to me! I do know that his smile made my morning special and it stayed with me all day.
It’s amazing what a smile can do. Smiles are not only expressions of happiness and joy, they can also encourage and inspire, reassure and uplift, comfort and communicate. Without speaking a word, a smile can say: I’m glad to see you, You make me happy, I’d like to get to know you. A smile can be the start of a friendship or a relationship. A smile can make someone feel welcome and included. A smile can help heal a hurting heart. And when we endeavor to smile even when we are hurting, it lifts our spirits as well. Both the giver and receiver of a smile are blessed.
Of course, we realize that we cannot and do not smile all the time. We are told in the book of Ecclesiastes that there is “a time to weep”, and even Jesus wept. In times of sorrow and grief it is natural and good to express our emotions. And when we are in pain and hurting, there is a time when it’s okay to share our feelings with each other. But there is also a time when we need to look beyond ourselves and see those around us who just might need a smile.
Nat King Cole sang a song simply titled “Smile” that is about this idea of smiling even when we’re hurting. I am not sure I agree with the words completely as it takes the concept to an extreme, but I thought it was worth sharing. (I also found it interesting that the lyrics were written by Charlie Chaplin.)
| Smile Smile though your heart is aching Smile even though its breaking When there are clouds in the sky, you’ll get by If you smile through your fear and sorrow Smile and maybe tomorrow You’ll see the sun come shining through for you Light up your face with gladness Hide every trace of sadness Although a tear may be ever so near That’s the time you must keep on trying Smile, what’s the use of crying? You’ll find that life is still worthwhile If you just smile |
Some say that if you smile when you are not feeling joyful that you are wearing a mask, but sometimes we do need to ‘put on a happy face’! But how can we smile when we don’t feel like it?
When my children were young, their Grandma Marie had a short little song she sang to them if she noticed that they were sad or upset or worried. She got down on their level, looked them in the eyes and sang, “Jesus takes a frown and He turns it upside down. Oooooops! There comes a smile!” And inevitably it worked. Their frown would turn into a grin and a giggle. But the jingle she sang to them is more than a cute Sunday School song. It speaks truth!
Knowing the One who fills our hearts with “indescribable joy” and our minds with the “peace that surpasses all understanding” makes it possible and easier to smile even during difficult days.
A simple smile can accomplish great things. To give someone a smile is to give them a gift. Your smile may not change the world, but it could impact a life! Your sincere smile can be a blessing to someone and brighten their day. If you give someone a smile, you just might get one in return. Then you will be doubly blessed!
| You can smile when you can’t say a word, You can smile when you cannot be heard, You can smile when it’s cloudy or fair, You can smile any time, anywhere. –from a hymn written by A. H. Ackley |
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