The Smile

What Makes You Smile

When was the last time you smiled? The last time that, without thinking, you just found yourself in a small moment of joy that gifted you with a grin. Our days are filled with opportunities to find joy in the moment. I’m grateful for the smile and the grin, the glimpse into the heart that reveals a connection to the moment. So what makes you smile? The sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and feelings? Each moment is filled with opportunities to find wonder and gratitude in the moment and a moment to reveal our hearts with the gift of the smile.

Who Makes You Smile

Who brings a smile to your heart? Who do you think of that brings you joy when you see them or even they simply come to mind? Of course we have many people in our lives that are a blessing, bring us joy, and make us smile. Who is that for you? The person who draws most of my smiles is my bride Jill. Seeing her and even just thinking about her nudges my heart reveals itself in the smile. I love this. When I’m present in the moment, I am reminded of the connection we share. She is a beautiful spirit and I am blessed and grateful for her and the smile she puts on my heart. So who makes you smile?

Who Do You Make Smile

Who smiles because of you? I’ll tell you that I am one of those people. I often think of the people who find these words, and I imagine them reading the words I’ve prepared. I smile knowing that there is a small, momentary connection between us. I like that (and thank you, by the way!) You have also have family and friends and caregivers who think of you with much love. You bring joy even if you don’t notice or recognize. Sometimes I think of a parent’s love for a child and the smiles they bring. In the same way, I believe the Spirit of God smiles on you and me the same. Not because of anything we’ve done or earned. Just because of who we are. And how amazing is that?! That really makes me smile :)

Where Will You Find Your Smiles

Today, I challenge you to recognize your smiles and grins. Look for the moments that bring a joy that wells up inside and is released through this beautiful expression. There are so many opportunities to find joy. Seek out the good today. Look beyond any perceived imperfections. We are givers and receivers of joy. We are givers and receivers of smiles. We are each worthy to love and be loved in this world. In Galatians 5, Paul speaks of the love and the joy and the peace that comes from the Spirit. It is my experience that this love, this joy, and this peace are both undefinable and undeniable. Your challenge today is to find that love, joy, and peace in the small moments, in the people around you, and in this world around you. Be aware, look around, and take it in. And then smile.

Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash