Smiling Is My Favorite

Wear your hope and joy in Christ for all the world to see!

By Jennifer Choate

"I just like to smile! Smiling’s my favorite."
-Buddy the Elf

I have a confession to make. Like the character Buddy in the movie Elf, I am a loose cannon when it comes to smiling. Yup! Nine times out of ten, if you run into me I will greet you with a smile. I like to acknowledge others by looking at them straight on and giving them a glimpse of my pearly whites. Sometimes I just raise my eyebrows, nod, and turn the corners of my mouth up as if to say, "Hi, I see you."

My daughter often makes fun of me for how often I grin. Sometimes we'll be watching TV together and she'll catch me smiling (unknowingly) at the fictional characters in the show we're watching. She never fails to point it out, and then we have a good laugh.

If you still need convincing that I'm the ultimate smiler, you should know about a certain person named Rachel Smiley. One of my friends is an author, and she's been working on a new novel. She shared with me that I am the inspiration behind one character in particular. That's right! In her upcoming book, my character is called Rachel Smiley! Case closed. (Isn’t that a hoot?)

Many times, my smiles are met with sarcasm. Other times they are met with an air of annoyance. But every now and then, I get a genuine grin in return. I like to remember Mother Teresa's words: "Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing..."

I've noticed that whenever I see a painting of Jesus (or, I should say, a painting of how some people think Jesus looked!), He usually appears solemn and serious. I get that—I mean, our Lord did carry the weight of the whole sinful world on His shoulders! But, even in spite of that infinite burden, I really think Jesus was a smiler, too. I can picture Him walking through the streets of Galilee, giving a tender smile and knowing nod to everyone He passed. Jesus knew the words of Proverbs 15:13, and I’m certain He took them seriously: "A glad heart makes a cheerful face…"

We live in a dark and broken world, and life here is often difficult. Our problems can become obstacles to our hope. If we aren’t careful, we may allow temporary difficulties to steal our light and joy. As a result, our face reflects the sorrow of the world around us, rather than the Word of God that is alive in us. Proverbs 17:22 says, "A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones."

So, if you and I run into one another out there in this messy world, would you do me a favor? Turn that frown upside down! Smile like you just got away with something! Smile, because the everlasting joy within you is greater than any burden of this world.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Romans 15:13