SMILE AND WEAR A CHEERFUL COUNTENANCE

BIBLE PASSAGE:
“A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit.”
Proverbs 15:13

MEDITATION:
What’s another word for a cheerful countenance?
It’s a smile, isn’t it?

Someone said the following about a smile:
It costs nothing, but creates a lot of good.
It enriches those who receive it without impoverishing those who give it away.
It happens in a flash, but the memory of it can last forever.
No one is so rich that he or she can get along without it.
No one is too poor to feel rich when receiving it.

It creates happiness in the home, fosters good will in business
and is the counter sign of friends.
It is rest to the weary, daylight to the discouraged,
sunshine to the sad, and nature’s best anecdote for trouble.
Yet it cannot be bought, begged, borrowed or stolen.
It is something of no earthly good to anyone until it is given away willingly.

A smile not only lifts the spirits of others,
but it also has a positive impact on your own spirit.
A smile communicates to others that you
are pleased with how God has made you, and that you
appreciate His presence in your life, no matter what’s going on.

When you dress up in the morning, take a long look at yourself in the mirror.
Is your countenance pleasant and inviting, or is it stern and defensive?
We all have issues in our lives,
but have these issues found their way to your countenance?
If you saw someone with your countenance,
would you be attracted to them, or would you choose to avoid them?

Try putting on a smile and don’t be ashamed of your sense of humor.
Unfortunately others can sometimes misinterpret those with a sense of humor.
A sense of humor doesn’t mean you are not serious.
Many people with a great sense of humor are more sincere and
care more about others than those who have a serious countenance.

Those who are serious can tend to be judgmental,
selfish, and “wear their feelings on their sleeves”,
but those with a sense of humor often care much more about others.

Those with a sense of humor hurt when they see others hurting,
even though it may not show in their countenance.
They may be dealing with issues in their own lives, but they often hide those
feelings, because they don’t want to bring down those around them.
They have a big heart and enjoy seeing others smile.

ACTION:
What kind of countenance do you have?
Does it brighten the day for others or drive them away?
Do you need to change your attitude and countenance?

Imagine for a moment the joy you can experience
when you lift the spirit of someone else with just your smile.
Always remember that smiles are contagious.
If you’re not receiving one, then give one.

Pray,
“Heavenly Father, I pray that others can look at my countenance and
know of my faith in Jesus, and that I am loved by You. Help me to
always be aware of my countenance and the impact it can have on others.
Remind me of how Your blessings give me reasons to smile. Help me in
my efforts to lift the spirits of those around me. Thank You for giving me
a happy heart which I can freely share with others.”

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