Share God's love with a simple smile

"For I shall yet praise Him, who is the help of my countenance and my God."

- Psalm 42:11 (AMP)

There's no doubt we live in some troubling times.

Almost anyone I speak with shares some type of adverse situation or obstacle they or one of their family members is facing.

My family is no different. At times, from listening to and thinking about the sad situations, I noticed I wasn't smiling as much. I realized I need to be more conscious to make an effort to smile.

I learned a great lesson on smiling several years ago while attending a management meeting at a local hospital where I was employed. While sitting at a huge conference table, I glanced around the room as the speaker delivered the message. I noticed face after face was filled with blank stares, furrowed brows, and grimacing expressions.

The news being presented wasn't altogether pleasant, and I didn't totally agree with what was being said, though I maintained a cool attitude and occasional smile while I listened with an open mind.

When the meeting was over the speaker approached me and said, "I want to compliment your lovely countenance."

I must have had a perplexing look on my face because I didn't know what the word countenance meant. The speaker went on to say, "I enjoyed your lovely smile."

"Oh, he's talking about my smile," I thought to myself. I thanked the speaker and went on my way.

As a young girl, my parents taught me to be pleasant and smile. It's better than a scowl, and it also takes fewer muscles than a frown. I figured it's God's way of giving us a natural face-lift.

It makes us more attractive to people when we smile, and shows we have a positive outlook on life. Given at the right time, it can be a gesture of encouragement to one another.

When we're down and out, a smile can lift our spirits and our downcast soul. It changes our inner feelings from depression and makes us feel more confident. A smile also melts a cold heart.

There is an old expression that says, "God is smiling down on us." I wonder what might happen if we smiled back.

• Annettee Budzban is a Christian author, speaker, life coach and nurse. She will be presenting " Writing and Speaking for fun and profit" from 3-4 p.m. Saturday, April 26, at Panera Bread in Round Lake Beach. Registration is preferred but not necessary. Contact Annettee at Annetteebudzban@aol.com or (847) 543-8413.