I will forget my complaint, I will put off my sad face and wear a smile.... Job 9:27 NKJV.
We've all seen them--smiles that never reach the eyes. We've all worn them, hiding pain or secrets behind the smile.
Why? Because we don't care to expose our innards to public scrutiny. Sometimes that's wise, sometimes it's just being phony.
We pretend to be happy or at least not unhappy, but if the person we're facing is observant they can see the tears behind the pasted-on pleasant face. Is it so wrong not to always want to spill our guts to just anyone? I don't think so.
Besides--there's an odd thing about smiles. There's something about turning up those lips that begins an inner smile. And when someone returns the smile, our own begins to warm a little. Before we know it, we actually do feel smiley. The tears dry up, and the day looks happier.
Try it. You'll be amazed.
Lord, when our day looks cloudy, may we still make the effort to spread a little sunshine through the darkness. May we reach outside ourselves and brighten someone else's countenance. For Jesus's sake, Amen.
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