Oh my dear readers, I must begin this morning by asking for your forgiveness.  I am sorry that I have long been away.  It’s like Paul says in the Bible in Romans 7:15 “I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it”.  I fall prey to poor habits and excuses.  I say things like “oh, I really should write, but I’m so busy”.  It’s poor personal discipline and I am sorry.  Please forgive me.

Thanks for moving on with me.  You bring a big smile to my face!

I don’t know about you, but I love to smile.  My smile is by no means perfect.  I don’t think I could get a job as a model.  My teeth are imperfect and a bit crooked.  While I used to let all of that stop me, God has helped me overcome my insecurity.  He has showed me that beautiful things happen when I smile.  People smile back.  A smile is distracting.  It catches your eyes and your thoughts.  It’s like a flash of sunlight in your eyes, it will get your attention.  Now I try to smile all that I can.  For I know in my heart that my smile brings joy.

Like each one of us living in this world, I face hard times.  When I am facing times of stress, anxiety or sadness the thing I appreciate most is someone who can make me smile.  My husband has a gift for making me smile.  A good friend can often turn a frown upside down.  Aren’t unexpected circumstances easier to deal with when you are smiling about the silver lining than the black cloud?

I read this morning a quote by an unknown author.  It said, “A smile of encouragement at the right moment may act like sunlight on a closed-up flower; it may be the turning point for a struggling life”.  I have heard it said that a smile lights up a day, but have you ever really considered that it could be a turning point for a struggling life? So often when we consider helping someone we thing of great gestures of kindness.  We think that going all out is what could bring a turning point.  What if, it truly is something as small as a smile that becomes the catalyst for great change?

I am a big believer in small things, that the little things we do in life add up to greatness in the long run.  I hope you will join me in smiling today.  Smile to brighten the world.  Smile to let your light shine.  Smile because if you don’t, we will miss out on the joy that only you can bring.   Your smile is 100% original, hand crafted by God for His pleasure.  Your smile is nothing but a glorious treasure.  Enjoy the joy of sharing it today!