Easy

Do you work with someone, live with someone, maybe an acquaintance, the local supermarket check out person, your mail person....come into contact with anyone who always looks down, maybe even dour?   I ran across a line in the last novel I was reading that I thought was really great.  In her book Sandpiper Cove, Irene Hannon wrote, "Those who smile the least are often the ones who need smiles the most."  The character was speaking about a person she encountered weekly at church who never seemed to smile.  This character then made it a point to smile at this person whenever she got the chance. 

We never know someone's story.  I'm reminded of a time I went into the local drug store.  I waited on line for what seemed like forever.  Of course I was in a hurry that day....when am I not!?!?  I didn't know what the problem was, but the cashier seemed inept, slow and just not very good at her job.  As I stood in line I felt annoyance rising up in me.  But when it was my turn to check out I noticed a few things (or I should say the Holy Spirit brought a few things to my attention).  First, was that she looked haggard and upset.  Secondly, there were a couple of other coworkers milling around.  So instead of coming across as irritated and frustrated, I said a couple of kind words...I don't even remember what they were, but the cashier was so relieved...she told me she had woken up with a dizzying migraine that day and barely made it to work, at which point her young supervisor gave her a hard time, the same person who was standing over there just playing around with another coworker.  This poor woman looked like she wanted to cry.  I am so glad I was not the proverbial "last straw" in a bad morning for her. 

It doesn't take much.  A smile, a kind word, maybe a hug or a hand on the shoulder.  Easy.  Free.  You or I could be someone's God visit that helps them through their day, warms their heart and makes their walk a little bit softer.  We may never know the difficulties on another's path, but God does...and He wants to use us to help.  It's not always a "big" help either.  Little things count. 

God visits come in all different sizes, all different packages.  Maybe we are the recipients one day, but the next it's our turn to be one.....Eyes open!!! 

Lord, thank You for this beautiful reminder to be aware, to open my heart to those around me and let You work through me to bless them, even in the simplest of ways, sharing a smile.  Let me be a blessing to those around me, and not a contributing irritant to their day.  Jesus always made time to make things better for those around Him. I can imagine Him smiling often.  Lord, I want to be that way too.  For Your glory.  In His precious Name, amen.

Smile today.  Be on the look out!!