I LIKE TO SMILE

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