Why Try Smiling?

“A merry heart does good like medicine …” (Proverbs 17:22)

Sometimes this writer will play a little game in dealing with people …especially those who seem to be having a bad day or might be just a little on the grouchy side.  It is not a mean or unkind game … it is a genuine effort to help them have a better day.

It is readily admitted that life is not always the most pleasant of experiences and the world in which we live is evil, at times most difficult, unfair and just plain hard!

It is not always possible to have a smile on our face when our heart has been broken, or pain and suffering are inescapable, but the joy that comes from knowing the Lord, experiencing His forgiveness and the offering of a home in heaven when this life is over should be more than enough to help us find a smile … for ourselves as we look in the mirror … and for others as they come face to face with us.

Jesus surely must have smiled as He watched the little children from the villages and cities come to Him. However, we also read that as He looked upon the city of Jerusalem and the obvious sin all around along with the heartbreak of being rejected by so many, He wept!

So, the answer is to be found in finding the balance point.  If we really have as the children’s song says, “… the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart …” then our thoughts, dispositions, attitudes, words and deeds will reflect that joy.  We must always remember that everything starts with our heart!

May we ask these questions:

  • Do you know someone that you enjoy being around and who is encouraging in a way that you leave their presence feeling better for having been around them?
  • Can we look into the mirror and say we are ‘one of those people?’

God is always looking for ways to bless His children every day!  How truly wonderful and encouraging … even strengthening … to know that He will always have our best interest in mind!

The following poem was given to me and it inspired this post.  Please take the time to read it … mull it over in your mind … and decide to put a big ole smile on your face!  You will be glad you did … and so will those who are around you.

 Try Smiling

When the weather suits you not, Try smiling;

When your coffee isn’t hot, Try smiling.

When your neighbors don’t do right,

Or your relatives all fight,

Sure ‘tis hard, but then you might—

Try smiling.

Doesn’t change the things, of course—

Just smiling;

But it cannot make them worse,

Just smiling.

And it seems to help your case,

Brightens up a gloomy place;

Then, it sort o’ rests your face—

Just smiling.

                                                                      ——- Author Unknown

It is so much easier to face any challenges when we are filled with genuine hope, peace and joy.  “Rejoice in the Lord always.  Again I will say, rejoice.” (Philippians 4:4)

Bill Fairchild, Jr.

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One Response to “Why Try Smiling?”

  1. Jack Holt July 16, 2018 at 10:02 am # Reply

    Just reviewed the site and this blog piece. I met the Fairchild’s when I was a young preacher and they were an encouragement to me. I highly recommend the site.

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