Sprinkling a little brightness into our everyday lives takes surprisingly little effort – all it takes is a tweak in the way we wear our expressions. A smile.
As Joseph Addison once wisely put it, “Just as sunshine brings out the best in flowers, smiles have a similar effect on us humans. They might seem like small things, casually scattered along our life’s journey, but the positive impact they carry is beyond imagination.”
So, let’s talk about smiles – are they hanging around in our lives? Think about it – smiles are like a cheerful silent greeting to people we see. They’re the proud high-five after a slam dunk or the shared laughter after a mat tumble. It’s time we get into the habit of giving out warm smiles.
You know, it’s truly remarkable – sometimes, a smile can work its magic even before the feelings catch up.
Let me share a touching story with you:
There was this man, not exactly known for his grins, who decided to take on a challenge. For two weeks, he pledged to greet everyone he encountered with a heartfelt smile. Now, imagine that first morning when he stood in front of the mirror, razor in hand, and made a promise to himself: “Today, I’ll share my smile with the world.” With newfound determination, he greeted his wife in the kitchen and said, “Good morning,” accompanied by a genuine smile. She looked at him, a mixture of surprise and uncertainty in her eyes.
As he continued on his mission, something incredible started happening. Every greeting he shared was met with that same warmth, that same kindness. And gradually, something wonderful unfolded – the feelings of happiness began to bloom within him. It wasn’t just a fleeting act; it was a transformation. His own life began to shine brighter in his home and workplace.
But that’s not all. Something beautiful started occurring beyond his immediate circle. People he had never met before, people from all walks of life, began responding with smiles of their own. It was like a silent exchange of joy and happiness.
What’s truly remarkable is that this journey he embarked upon, this simple commitment to share his smiles, led to results he never could have foreseen. The joy he spread wasn’t just a fleeting emotion – it became a part of him, a beacon that radiated outwards, touching lives and hearts in ways he hadn’t imagined.
The words of the Apostle Paul echo with timeless wisdom: “Always be joyful,” he urged in 1 Thessalonians 5:16, and he reminded us to “Rejoice in the Lord always” (Philippians 4:4). It’s fascinating to note that the concept of joy is woven throughout the fabric of the Old and New Testaments, making its presence felt a remarkable 180 times. The old prophet Nehemiah says that it is the joy of the Lord that is our strength. When we have the hope of the Lord in our heart then it is easy to let the shine of a smile come forth and spread to those around.
There is a time for everything as it is recorded in Ecclesiastes 3:1-4, “… a season for every activity under heaven… a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance”. Even in mourning I have found that those remembering their loved ones reflect on the happy times and smiles shine through the tears.
Have there been times when you’ve struggled to find your smile? If so, let Psalm 43 speak to your heart. The psalmist cries out to God that he is downcast and depressed and the antidote is praise.
“Then will I go to the altar of God, my joy and my delight. I will praise you with the harp, O God, my God. Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.” (Psalm 43: 4 – 5)
I challenge you to be a joy spreader and bring smiles to other people. When you walk in the grocery store and pass people in the aisle, smile.
What about people you don’t see face to face? There are also ways to bring a smile to someone you have not seen in a while by sending a card of greetings in the mail. This might be to someone who is discouraged or so busy they can’t see the joy in life.
Smile and spread some Joy! And for those you don’t see often send a smile in the mail. Ask the LORD who needs a card and drop one in the mail.
Let me share with you an easy way to send cards. You won’t need to shop for the card in a store and pay high prices, or even take the card to the mailbox. This is as easy as an app on your phone or by using your computer, if you prefer.
It is the 10 Card Challenge! 10 Cards in 20 days for 20 dollars! And that includes postage, which makes the card less than $1.50 each.
If you need help choosing who to send cards to or even if you have 10 people to send cards to I have developed a Brainstorming Guide to help.
It is free, just click here and grab your copy.