I try to smile as much as possible. I don’t mean walking
around with a goofy smile all the time, but when I see someone I smile at them,
and most of the time they smile back at me. It makes me feel good to help
someone else smile.
I don’t judge them if they don’t return the smile however.
We never know the pain or discomfort others are feeling at that moment. So I
say a prayer that God will help them with their situation.
Smiling is very healthful too. I’m sure there’s a study to
prove this, but if we feel better smiling, it has to be good for us.
I recommend the closed-mouth smile. Showing teeth makes it
look more like you’re laughing, and it seems to illicit fewer return smiles –
just strange looks.
Remember the old song? “Let the sun shine in, Face it with a
grin, Smilers never lose, Frowners never win.” It’s not a universal truth of
course, but there are benefits to smiling. It makes us feel better, it makes
others feel better, and it’s a slight form of exercise, moving some face
muscles.
And if smiling is the sign of a cheerful heart, the Bible
says it is as good as medicine!
If you see somebody repeatedly, find out their name so you
can smile and speak their name too. This is even a better way to spread the
sunshine. Or make a courteous comment like “Another beautiful day in Ohio.” [Or
wherever you are] Even if it’s raining or snowing you’ll get a smile or a
pleasant comment in return.
Remember what Jesus implied in Matthew 5:47 – If we only
greet people we know, we’re not doing much. So give a friendly greeting, with a
smile, to everyone you can!
COPYRIGHT 2018 BY CARL E GUSTAFSON
