Friday, March 27, 2009

A Simple Smile

Do you realize the power that a smile can have on those around you? A simple tightening of the muscles on either side of your mouth, an almost involuntary act. It can lift the spirits of those you come in contact with in a most magical and, perhaps, surprising way.

When I smiled at them, they scarcely believed it;
the light of my face was precious to them.
(Job 29:24)

While we can smile to hide our true feelings, to hide our disdain or our nervousness, to put up walls that keep people out, but a true, heart-felt smile is a gift. It lets others know that they are important, that they matter, that they have touched our hearts and minds. A smile that lights up your entire face can't be given to others when you are distracted and not paying attention. It can be an important reaction to another. Something that can stay with them for a very long time.