It’s amazing what happens when a person shares a smile. Who would have guessed the power behind such an easy thing to offer? It’s not always easy. Yesterday, at Albertsons, I couldn’t get one person to return a smile. It was so strange. Even my produce guy was deep in concentration over stacking those onions just so.
I hate when a place has an “unsmiley” vibe. It shouldn’t be this way. It’s unsettling when a mundane task, a fun adventure, or even a church visit is accompanied by an unfriendly vibe. We are mankind. We are Alive. We can Smile. We can Shine – even when we shop! I love shopping! Obviously. But more than my “Just Buy It!” mantra, I love chatting with employees. I love complimenting a woman on her hair, shoes, bag, smile. I love winking at “Littles” sitting in their carts staring at me from behind their moms. I love making small talk with women who (actually) know what to do with something called a Leek.
You know what I love most? I love watching a woman walk away with a smile, a head held high, and a sweet skip to her step. There is power in a shared smile, in a simple statement of praise, and in an unexpected, little one-liner.
In the end, it’s not always hard.
- God created us with the ability to smile. To share one is free and physically easy.
- Simple compliments make us float in the midst of a trying day, to pass on that balloon ride simply requires us to look past ourselves.
- As for the little quips, well, not all of us can be funny on a dime. But I’m sure we could figure out something to say, like, “Hey, it’s not snowing. That’s a good thing!” Or something else that all humans like to talk about like politics or religion… I joke. See? That was my quip.
Here’s what I’m thinking. If a smile creates a friendship and a simple word uplifts a soul, then what would happen if we practiced sharing these two gifts wherever we go? I’m thinking masks would slip. Perfection may dive off a cliff. Tears might shed. Laughter could most certainly ensue. Deep, sincere, #IcantbelieveIjustadmittedthatoutloud laughter might just about explode. And friendships, ah, friendships are bound to deepen to a most treasured level of love.
I love that we can Smile. I love that we can Shine. Don’t pass another human without acknowledging their existence, whether you know that person or not. What an empty, “Unsmiley” world that would be. Let’s share our God-created ability with someone today.
Thank you for sharing your smile with me. Deeper still, your simple words gave me access into your heart. I value your smile, and I treasure your heart!
~ Psalm 96
~ Scripture verses regarding your smile
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