Do you ever take time to watch people? Look at their faces? Often I notice people wearing frowns as if they were etched in their foreheads at birth. The corners of their mouths curve in an exaggerated upside-down smile, their gait is sluggish, shoulders are stooped and their eyes hold no declaration of pleasure. I wonder what they are thinking of, what are the burdens so heavy as to carve such an expression of heaviness on their countenances.Once in awhile one of these people will glance my way. What to do? I smile! Perhaps even say, "Good morning!", or just a simple, "Hi! How are you today?" Usually my smile breeds more smiles, their faces light up and they go on their way with a little lighter step. But there are some who refuse to even look to the right or left; their focus is straight ahead as if they wish to remain in their own darkened world of thought. They want no help. They want no look of encouragement. They want no cheering smiles.
"Just leave me alone," they voice wordlessly.
And I do. Leave them alone, that is. If my smile cannot kindle a returning smile in another, I'll just keep giving it away until someone responds and accepts it. Hopefully in turn those who receive it will pass it on. For a smile is not something to keep for yourself. A smile is for giving. And also forgiving!
They say that it takes more muscles to frown than to smile. To be exact, 43 to frown, 17 to smile. That's interesting. It means that it is far easier to smile than it is to frown. Then why so many frowns? Perhaps it's merely habit. Perhaps there are burdens too heavy to bear. Perhaps they feel that no one cares anyway, so why bother to smile? Whatever the reason, I am determined to keep on giving away smiles whether or not I am rewarded with a reciprocal smile.
They say that it takes more muscles to frown than to smile. To be exact, 43 to frown, 17 to smile. That's interesting. It means that it is far easier to smile than it is to frown. Then why so many frowns? Perhaps it's merely habit. Perhaps there are burdens too heavy to bear. Perhaps they feel that no one cares anyway, so why bother to smile? Whatever the reason, I am determined to keep on giving away smiles whether or not I am rewarded with a reciprocal smile.
If only they realized all the extra effort they are expending to frown! If only they understood that a merry heart doeth good like a medicine (Proverbs 17:22 KJV). Oh, if they would only accept the fact that Jesus died on the cross to take away those frowns! Then they would be filled with such joy that those upside-down smiles would turn right-side up and light would shine from their eyes.
Let's start an energy-saving program, put away those frowns and display a smiling, happy face and bring a little cheer to those around us. We will be happier for it, it will please the Lord, and others will feel the benefit. You will know healthy living as you take a dose of the medicine of joy. Smile, smile, smile! As they say, "You'll be glad you did."
Let's start an energy-saving program, put away those frowns and display a smiling, happy face and bring a little cheer to those around us. We will be happier for it, it will please the Lord, and others will feel the benefit. You will know healthy living as you take a dose of the medicine of joy. Smile, smile, smile! As they say, "You'll be glad you did."
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Thanks for the encouragement to save energy by smiling instead of frowning. I do not turn away from joyful people when feeling heavy-hearted. But at times being asked "How are you?" has made be feel like crying. I will shift my focus, when necessary, to thoughts that bring smiles and to sharing encouragement with others.
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