Keep on Smiling

By Iris Nelson August 22, 2014 Character, Devotion

” But I have trusted in your steadfast love;
my heart shall rejoice in your salvation.
~ Psalm 13:5 (ESV).”

Most days I smile – actually I smile a lot. I guess that explains my fine ‘laugh-lines’ around my mouth. Working at a Corporate office for a fairly large convenience store chain can get challenging. You can see that on the faces of my co-workers. It was really hard for me to see friendly faces when I stepped back into the Corporate world. But I continue to smile – even when I get a frown back. I encounter frowning faces not only at the office, but also at the grocery store, at the clothing store.

Sometimes I wonder about the people I encounter. What is their life like? Are they in financial trouble? Marriage a little rocky? Challenges raising their kids? What are they hiding behind those stern or sad faces? That is why I smile at them. Did you know that a smile is contagious?

You see, I have a major reason to smile. I have One who loves me without conditions. He loves me even when I am not my chipper self. When I am down, He picks me up. So maybe I should share more than just a smile. Maybe I need to start sharing the joy I have in my heart. The joy of my salvation. The hope I have that this life is not all there is. That a beautiful mansion is waiting for me and all who put their trust in Him.

“In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?” ~ John 14:2 (ESV).”

How about you? Do you share more than just a smile with the people you encounter — the grumpy, the sad, the hurting?

Lord of Heaven and Earth. Give us a heart for the hurting, for the sad, for the grumpy. Let us share the hope we have because of Your great love for us. In the precious name of Jesus ~ Amen.