to S.M.I.L.E.

To smile. I'm not saying to smirk, to grimace, to simper, to jeer or to sneer. 

But to smile.

To beam.

To radiate tenderness, joy and love ...and contentment.

To HOPE.

That's the kind of smile that starts from the inside. You don't just see it, you hear it. It colors inflection and word choice. It brings vision to the mundane. It accompanies the happy, vibrant moments of our lives but is also the quiet and consoling companion during times of trial that steadies our resolve.

Where does it come from? How can you find it? 

The best answers are always found in the best places. I found this one where you might expect that I would.

The answer?  ...to be spiritually minded is life eternal

In other words, to s.m.i.l.e. Prioritizing!

I love how Marlene always says it, "If you put God first, it doesn't matter what comes next."

And here it is again couched in phrasing not quite as cute:

Therefore (or in other words, because of the  5 or 6 verses before this one), dearly beloved brethren, let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then many we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed.

Prioritizing combined with cheerful, willing diligence! Then wherever we go, however fast we run-inside we'll be standing still with the utmost assurance...smiling from the inside, out.

One more thought from me and then a few random quotes just for fun:

We smile at our children to show them our approval. Our children's smiles brighten our outlook and excite joy. A smile for our spouse communicates our devotion and appreciation. And when we greet someone, we smile as a sign of welcome. 

So, learning to s.m.i.l.e. now assures that when we meet again, all these things will be reflected in our countenance, and reflected back in turn. The best is yet to come!

Smile Quotations  If you have only one smile in you give it to the people you love.  Maya Angelou  Peace begins with a smile.  Mother Teresa  Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing.  Mother Teresa  We shall never know all the good that a simple smile can do.  Mother Teresa  Let us always meet each other with smile, for the smile is the beginning of love.  Mother Teresa  Start every day off with a smile and get it over with.  W. C. Fields  (ha ha, just had to put that one in.) Your smile will give you a positive countenance that will make people feel comfortable around you.  Les Brown  Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.  Leo Buscaglia