I remember my very first dance recital. I had just turned eight years old. Dressed in a little black tutu and lace accessories, I tippity tapped onstage to this wonderful song from the musical, "Annie". Many times, over the years, I have found myself thinking back to the words from this tune, "...it's what you wear from ear to ear and not from head to toe, that matters..."
Last week, I stopped to run some errands and found myself in many lines and not making near the progress I had hoped in the brief window of time allotted for such tasks. I prayed to God to find me the correct parking spot and to allow time to be multiplied, so that I might complete my overzealous list. Line after line, I encountered grumpy sales person upon grumpy salesperson. In an attempt to eliminate my own growing grumpitude, I prayed for each person. At my very last stop, a young woman, tired, leaning, sad...she had a huge line and as she called for assistance, none came. Customers complained and scowled at the cashier. My heart ached for her. As I approached, I smiled and decidedly shared chit chat with her, unrealted to her job or business. Finally, I offered that I would pray for her and I thanked her for doing her job well. Her smile, that followed, could have lit an entire room; it was beautiful. It reminded me how a simple smile can change the landscape of one's day.
I work in a Christian school. It is a blessing to serve the Lord while doing work that I love. We begin our day in prayer. Some days the requests and petitions far outweigh the praises, but the truth remains, there are still praises. It is a lovely way to remind our hearts to smile, on the inside AND on the outside. We depart ready to share the joy of the Lord. This was particularly special recently when a child, hurting, wounded and needing comfort encountered me in the hallway and in spite of his pain, he wrapped his arms around me saying, "I always know you are okay with me Mrs. Beals...your eyes are always smiling." What a precious, precious affirmation for the effect of our smile for others, whether our mouth, our voice or our eyes do the smiling.
These things have I spoken to you, that My joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. John 15:11
When you dress this morning, check your own heart. Have you worn your smile? Are you ready to share your joy in the Lord? I sure hope so...
2 comments:
That is well said Heather and speaks to me louder than you know. Thanks so much for sharing!
xoxo,
Janet
What a great way to change the day, and maybe even the life, of that cashier. wb
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