A Smile can be a Difference Maker

Have you ever been on the other side of the audience -- the side of the speaker who is speaking to the audience? I have. I’ve learned to focus on those who are smiling and have the bright “I’m with you” eyes. I shun those sullen – no smiles – faces.

I know some folks who really aren't unhappy – they just have a natural frown. In fact, if I walk past a mirror or I see a photo that someone has taken of me and I’m frowning, I recoil and put on a happy face. I think "Donna, get your smile on!"

Displaying a happy face is the outward expression of the inner peace that dwells in us. 1 Corinthians 3:18 says: “Our faces, then, are not covered. We all show the Lord’s glory, and we are being changed to be like Him.”

I believe the example of Christ’s glowing face at the Mount of Transfiguration is an example for you and me to follow. Our face is the most public and recognizable part of our bodies. That’s why we girls paint our facial canvases!

Just think about our schools' annuals or the church’s directory or the family photos on the walls of our homes. They are all photos of our faces…. not our feet. God desires to take our faces and use them to reflect His glory, His joy and goodness.

Our worship, praise and adoration to our Lord changes the face of worshipers. Proverbs 17:22 says: "A merry heart does good like a medicine,", and we just can't be merry and joyful without a big smile planted across our face.

This blog isn’t profound, but I know a smile can make a cloudy day -- a sunshine-filled day. This isn’t rocket science. It is an acknowledgement of the ONE Who lives big in us. That’s the smile that says: "In spite of my circumstances -- good or bad -- I am blessed, and I win!"

Maybe it's time to do a checkup from the neck up to see if we are exuding the love and joy of our Lord! Maybe we are the only "Jesus" that others see. I love this photo. I like to think that our Lord looks at you and me just like that as His dear and beloved children.