A Purposeful Smile

Often, I go to the grocery store, and I’m amazed that people pass by who don’t make eye contact and refuse to smile. They pass by quickly as If I am invisible.

Some days, I’m like, ” Father, I want out of here. What is wrong with everyone? “

I day dream about being beamed up to paradise in some kind of a rapture.

Ever so often, I will pass someone with a light in their eyes and a smile on their face, sharing some friendly shopping small talk. But boy is that a rare occasion.  A lot of the workers in the stores are also in their own little la la world.

I was at HEB, I thought I will smile at as many people as I can and see what happens. Will anyone respond? Smile back? I was really getting disappointed, feeling so much sadness on people as I passed by. Finally, as I went down the aisle with paper towels, I smiled at a woman. 

She got to the end of the aisle and screamed out, ” Thank you for smiling at me, I really needed that today. ” 

Stunned and stoked, I loudly shouted back, ” You are very welcome. “

For a brief moment, I thought, ” Did I just entertain an angel? That was so cool she yelled out like that.” I was really getting sad looking at all the sad or rude non-verbals.

As I rounded the next aisle, i was hoping I would see her again, maybe to see why her day was not going well. Right then, she rounded the corner. I said, “Hey, thanks for saying you appreciated the smile. Why is your day not going well? “

Her face seemed really sad as she explained that her adult kids were being very selfish and rude. I tried to speak encouraging and uplifting words into her. She was a faithful woman. I gave her a quick hug before I left.  I think we both felt better after our little grocery store encounter.

Since not working, there are days when I feel lonely, so I go shopping just to get out. What most don’t realize is that a smile-less and unfriendly outing can make you even more alone.

As soon as I start feeling like I’m ready for Jesus to return to come get me, my mind goes to this scripture: 

Isaiah 60: : 1Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you. 2For behold, darkness covers the earth, and thick darkness is over the peoples; but the LORD will rise upon you, and His glory will appear over you.…

Yes, darkness has fell on the people, and it can be VERY sad. It’s our time to shine and for the glory of the Father to appear on us through: compassion, smiles, love and friendliness. Regardless of the state of the world, we must radiate love and joy outward.

Your smile, positivity and friendliness may be exactly what someone needs today. Don’t let anyone or any situation steal your joy or your light. Remember, your purpose and don’t let worldly affairs get you down.

This Week’s Goal:

Stay in a place of Gratitude.  Then, Go on A Purposeful Smiling and friendliness quest. While you’re out and about. At the drive-thru, gas station, grocery store, department store, work. Everywhere, be extra joyful.

Shine Brightly Friend.