The Value Of A Smile

When I smiled at them, they scarcely believed it; the light of my face was precious to them. Job 29:24 (NIV) 

There was a time when I was afraid to smile. I had a small cavity at the top of of my front tooth. I could sort of half smile, but a full beaming smile revealed the defect on my tooth. I got it fixed, but before doing so I was afraid to smile. When photos were taken I would self-consciously half smile for the pictures. Once my tooth was fixed I could fully smile again and it felt good. 

A smile is one of God's most precious gifts. When a baby looks up at us and smiles we are filled with joy. When a friend or loved one smiles we catch their joy and join in. Smiling shows that we are happy, and seeing others smile makes us happy. 

It would have been awesome to have been on earth when Jesus was here and to have seen Him smile. I think if we had ever seen Jesus smile at us it would have been one of the most memorable events in our life. A smile imparts so much feeling and makes every face lovely. 

We were told in grade school that our first United States president George Washington never smiled because he had false teeth that did not look very nice. Imagine going through so much of your life fighting the urge to smile. I got a small taste of that with my front tooth cavity, and it was not a comfortable feeling to restrain full-fledged smiles. 

Do not take your smile for granted, and do not be stingy with it. Share your smile, give it away. Show your smile to those you love, to your friends and family, and share it with strangers you meet. Nothing can so quickly impart friendship and kindness than a genuine smile. 

No matter your ability or disability, with few exceptions, anyone can share a smile. Think about those you know or have met who have imparted a wonderful smile for your benefit. How did it make you feel? Why not make someone else feel that way by giving them your smile? 

Prayer: Dear Lord, one day we will see You smile. How wonderful it will be to see your beaming face as we rejoice with You in Your kingdom. Praise be to Your Holy Name! Amen. 

Karlton Douglas 

Copyright 2018