You would have to live under a rock not to know that our economy is tanking. Bail-out, stimulus packages, unemployment, government take-overs, rising health insurance rates, home values decreasing and then there is the escalating cost of Diet Coke. Do you realize how I have to search to find two twelve-packs for $5.00? It’s enough to make a grown man cry, in private of course, and to publicly complain and lament profusely. Recently I have found myself using phrases like “I remember when”, and “times have sure changed,” “when I was growing up…,” and “honey, fetch my cane.” No, not really. The last statement was just a test to see if you were paying attention.
I hope that in reading the previous paragraph, you participated in the purpose of today’s blog and that is to prompt a smile. It is so easy to forget the power, value, and contagious nature of something as simple as a smile. Sure, life is tough and we are living in uncertain times, but just in case you have forgotten God is on the throne and He is fully aware of everything that is happening around us. He doesn’t need briefings from trusted advisors to keep Him up-to-date on minute by minute changes in the world. He knows.
So why not do something you haven’t done for awhile and share a smile with someone else? A word of caution for some of you because it has been so long since you shared a smile, you may feel a cracking of the face, but continue sharing it. Due to the rareness of your smile, it may be met with a glare that says “what do you want” or “what did you do.” Don’t be discouraged. Keep it up and you may be amazed at how contagious your smile is and how much better it will make you feel along with those around you. One more word of caution, your smile may break out into spontaneous laughter. If this happens, don’t be alarmed. This is even better than a smile. “A cheerful heart is good medicine” Proverbs 17:22. We all could use a dose of this medicine.
I close with this. Say “cheese.” The Father is watching. “Click.” Don’t you feel better?
Pastor Ron
