But
smiling isn’t just good for you; a genuine smile blesses those on the
receiving end as well. Without saying a word, it can tell others that you like
them and that you are pleased with them. A smile can hug someone with love
without giving them even the slightest touch.
Life does
not always give us a reason to smile. But when we see a heartfelt smile on a
child’s face or through aged wrinkles, our hearts are encouraged.
Smiles
are also a hint of the image of God in us. In the ancient blessing recorded in
the book of Numbers we get an indication that God “smiles”: “The Lord make His
face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up His countenance
upon you, and give you peace” (Num. 6:25-26). Those words are a Hebrew idiom
for the favor of God on a person’s life, asking God to smile on His children.
So today,
remember that you are loved by God, and that He is pleased to be gracious to
you and to shine His face upon you.
Your
smile could be a message of cheer from God to a needy soul. (RBC)
