“A happy heart makes the face cheerful” (Proverbs 15:13 NIV).
“A cheerful heart is good medicine” (Proverbs 17:22 NIV).
How often do you smile and laugh in a day? Laughter and smiling have many health benefits. I just read an article on-line stating that smiling can ease your depression and stress, boost your immune system, releases endorphins, natural pain killers and serotonin, helps you stay positive, is contagious (others will smile because you are), and makes you look younger. * Looking at this list just makes you want to smile. I remember reading that a man cured his cancer by watching funny movies and laughing so I guess it is good medicine. I believe in laughter and am very good at it. I am known for my smile and my laugh. People will hear my laugh when I’m in a store and hunt me down saying that they recognized my laugh. I guess it is my sonar for people. I enjoy making people laugh also.
I believe, as Christians, it is so important to be joyful and smile when greeting people. Whenever I’m at the store I always make a point of smiling at people because it makes them feel better. There are so many people with problems who need a bit of cheering up and it doesn’t take much effort to just look them in the eyes and smile. I would challenge you to smile at people this week as you roam about shopping or working. I guarantee that they will smile back and you have just done something wonderful by lifting up their spirits. It is a way as a Christian to show Christ’s love in a very special way. Jesus spoke about joy and his love that is in you, “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete” (John 15:11 NIV). Now it is up to you to share that joy with others. Be happy, smile, and share the joy of Christ with others as much as possible.
Dear Lord,
Help me to share your joy to others by smiling when I meet them wherever I go. I know there are so many people who need to feel your joy, so let me be your cheerful ambassador as I share your love with the people I meet everyday.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen
* http://longevity.about.com (Top 10 Reasons to Smile by Mark Stibich, Ph.D.)
