What Makes People Smile?

What Makes People Smile?

Good Morning Friends,

Humans all around the world in every culture and known social grouping do it. And it is usually associated with a positive emotion. This universal and universally recognized facial expression has a long history that appears to be deeply rooted in our beings as humans. It costs nothing, doesn’t have to be taught or grown into. It can happen automatically. And serves a variety of purposes and has many benefits. Anatomically and physiologically it results from the action of a number of facial muscles around the mouth and eyes that contract at the same time. When I encounter others on the journey I observe them and try to discern their spirit and experiences, then I look them in the eyes and seek a sign of comfort and warmth as the corner of their mouth turn up.
Then I wonder, What Makes People Smile?

Scripture: 35The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad, the desert shall rejoice and blossom; like the crocus ²it shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice with joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it, the majesty of Carmel and Sharon. They shall see the glory of the Lord, the majesty of our God. ³ Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees. ⁴ Say to those who are of a fearful heart, ‘Be strong, do not fear! Here is your God. He will come with vengeance, with terrible recompense. He will come and save you.’ ⁵Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; ⁶ then the lame shall leap like a deer, and the tongue of the speechless sing for joy. For waters shall break forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert;⁷ the burning sand shall become a pool, and the thirsty ground springs of water; the haunt of jackals shall become a swamp,^* the grass shall become reeds and rushes. ⁸ A highway shall be there, and it shall be called the Holy Way; the unclean shall not travel on it,^*  but it shall be for God’s people;^* no traveler, not even fools, shall go astray. ⁹ No lion shall be there, nor shall any ravenous beast come up on it; they shall not be found there, but the redeemed shall walk there.¹⁰ And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

Isaiah 35:1-35:10 (NRSV)

Message: I figure that there is a complete, wholehearted and persistent faith in us that pleases God with a smile. Our obedience to communicate the blessings of God over our children I think brings pleasure and a smile to God. And God smiles, don’t you think when we love Him and trust Him and obey Him. And I figure that God smiles when we praise and thank Him and when we use our abilities too. Yes that must bring a smile to God. Maybe, if we have a genuine smile, we smile when God is smiling…a smile that does not fade away. Here is the point. This life will soon pass. And only what is done for Christ will last. So claim this day for Him. Make it count by encouraging others, by building up a life of character. Friends, each day brings something unexpected and in this uncertainty we are to expect Christ. Today we are to be ready to meet God with a smile.

Pray that the Lord will show His goodness and loving kindness in our lives. Pray that when defeat seems imminent, He will lead us to victory. Pray that despite all the problems of life we find joy. Pray that this day we wake up in the joy of a new day…pray we dress up with a smile that comes from knowing God. Pray that the tears of our labors turn to joy. Pray that we smile at our future. Pray we shut up when we are about to grumble… Pray we stand up for our belief in Jesus….Pray we look up to Him for our every need…Pray we reach up to Him when everything else fails…pray we lift up to Him all of our burdens and cares with gratitude….praying…rejoicing in the Lord. Pray that we give a smile, give compliments, give a favor, give a prayer, and give someone a surprise. Pray that we have courage to let go of our money. Pray we bring a smile to another’s face today. Pray we rejoice in the transformation of frowns into smiles…of fears into hope…of sorrow into joy.

Blessings,

John Lawson