Have you ever been anywhere and see someone walking around doing whatever it is they’re doing with a smile on their face? I mean, who has a perpetual smile on their face while grocery shopping?
Seeing this person does one of two things to you:
- You begin smiling because smiles are contagious or,
- You think they’re really odd and go about your business.
Personally, I hope it puts a smile on your face.
Anyone who knows me knows I smile all the time and I speak to strangers. When I’m anywhere in the outside world, if we make eye contact, you’ll always get a smile and a “good morning!” (or whatever time of day it is). Even if we come close and don’t make eye contact, you’ll get the same greeting from me.
Why do I do this?
Part is because this is who I am. Overall, I’m a happy person. I know what it’s like to have troubles (we all do). A smile or a kind word can bring hope … a shining light to a dark situation. And if I can do that for anyone, I’m all in!
The other reason is I’m a saved child of Christ and He has given me His mercy and grace. I have hope. If you’ve never heard the MercyMe song Grace Got You, you need to. Puts a smile on my face every time! I love hearing it in the morning because it really sets the tone for the day … in fact, it betters my attitude and my day no matter what the time!
Nope! Don’t do it!
Don’t let your situation or circumstances define you (because it doesn’t despite what you may think). Don’t say there’s no hope, because there is. Life changes all the time and frequently throws curve balls … sometimes right at your head. Choosing joy and happiness over misery is a choice … YOUR choice.
Now, I don’t know your situation and probably have never been in your shoes. But I do have my own set of problems. And I definitely love the choice I make every day because it makes me a better me.
If you decide to choose misery (again, it’s your choice), please find a close friend to talk to. Get help. Because something is wrong. If I see you, I’m gonna smile at you … and quietly say a prayer for you. Because that’s just who I am.
“Have you ever met those that
Keep hoping when it’s hopeless
It’s like they’ve figured out what the rest haven’t yet.”
MercyMe
Grace Got You