“Momma, you don’t look kindness when you don’t smile. I think you should smile more.” – Nehemiah
“Momma, I like it when you look at me that way. It makes me know you love me.” – Charis
I am in smile training. I am in a battle with my very own face. I am determined to use cheek muscles that have atrophied a bit. I am considering walking around with a hand mirror or a video camera. I want to see myself as I really am, so I can know what needs to change. I am thankful for this luxury called a family, for the people who look at me consistently and beckon me to be my very best. They are counting on my smile, though often gracious with my frowns. They see me more then I see myself. They know the truth. They are not afraid to tell me.
Where are you smile, giggle, merry heart and light soul? Where are you oh joyful mood of my home? They, my family, are counting on me to usher you in. I can not let them down.
“Thankfulness ushers in a joyful heart.” There is much to be thankful for.
“Often my mouth will control the joy in my soul.” Oh, may laughter pour out of my mouth, and along with laughter, kind gentle words.
The grim, the long drawn face, the stingy, the solemn, the cold, the distant. These are cracking, like old plaster, off the statue I’ve somehow become. Let them fall away. Let there be a new creation underneath. Use new clay. Push the lips just right, so they turn up and not down. Make it possible. Make it so. You’re the potter. Work your magic. Make my face communicate to my family how much I love them. Make me look kindness.
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I cannot tell you how this resonates within me. I often find it even weird to smile. Sad i know:) not that Im not happy, brecause I am! I didn’t even notice it until my kids were playing with my camera (gasp!) and when I looked through the pictures I looked like that statue, only uglier . Sooo…I too am practicing smiling more, because they deserve it.