Just hopping on here for a short time as I wait for my daughter, son-in-love, and two grandsons to arrive. I need something to distract me from watching the clock! Today’s Five Minute Friday prompt is “Opportunity” and you don’t want to miss the opportunity to read what other wonderful writers have to say about it, so click over to http://www.fiveminutefriday.com
Smile Opportunities
“May the LORD bless you and protect you. May the LORD smile on you and be gracious to you. May the LORD show you his favor and give you his peace.” Numbers 6:24-26 (NLT) / Pixabay
Looking through the Bible for last week’s post, I was amazed at how many times it’s recorded that Jesus touched people and changed their lives! Of course I knew of the familiar stories, but the more I looked, the more I found. As I was thinking about today’s prompt, I wondered how many opportunities we have to touch people’s lives? We of course, can’t make the blind to see or raise someone from the dead, but we can touch others in a way that does make them smile!
I’ll be honest, there are many days when I’ve been grumbling under my breath, focusing on worried thoughts, or feeling frazzled in all I have to do, but then someone catches me by surprise and in the midst of whatever was bothering me they cause me to smile. I don’t know about you, but those small almost imperceivable acts can change my outlook in that very moment. I remember vividly a time I was traveling by myself and my car broke down. Luckily it was in a well lit, public place but needless to say I was scared and frustrated. As I sat with my hood up waiting nervously for AAA, a gentlemen strolled by. He caught my eye and smiled a most reassuring smile. I couldn’t help but smile back and I’m telling you in that instant I felt so much better. If another person can take the opportunity to touch our lives then it’s important to remember that we mustn’t miss the opportunities we have ourselves, to touch the others around us, too!
Smile opportunities aren’t complicated. They don’t require a great deal of work, a lot of money, or even a commitment of too much of our time. Here are just a few that I’ve thought of off the top of my head:
*Allow someone to go in front of you in line
*Return another person’s grocery cart to the stall
*Hold the door
*Send a card
*Write a note (my husband leaves me one by the coffee pot so my days always start with a smile)
*Give a hug or pat on the back
*Compliment a stranger
*Compliment someone you know
*Pay for someone else’s meal anonymously
*Leave a larger tip than necessary
*Be polite
*Smile at the people you stroll by
These are just a drop in the bucket. The list is limitless! Just think of the difference we might make if we’d set out every day to act on the smile opportunities that come our way! I’m reminded of those old song lyrics that say something like when you’re smiling the whole world smiles with you! I believe a smile is contagious, don’t you?
In his life, Jesus went from place to place, looking for those in need. When he found them (or they found him), he didn’t hesitate to make their lives better. Guess what? In our lives, we’re encouraged to do the very same.
“Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to his name. And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God.” Hebrews 13:15-16 (NLT)
So, let’s challenge ourselves to be on the look out for smile opportunities as we move through our days. And you want to know the great part of accepting this challenge? Taking advantage of the opportunity to make others smile can’t help but to make us smile too! It’s a win-win challenge!!!! How often does that happen?
I’ve got the pantry and fridge stocked with the kids’ favorite foods and some fun treats waiting for them. I can’t wait for them to get here and see their smiles! Who have you helped find a smile today? I’d love for you to add to my quick list! Please share in the comments ways that you like to take the opportunity to make others smile. Because you know, the longer we make our list, the more the world will be smiling and I think we need all the smiles we can get, don’t you?
“We shall never know all the good that a simple smile can do.”
Mother Teresa
Such an encouraging post! We all need these practical tips and reminder to make them a habit.
Enjoyed your post.
Great list, Cindy! When I’m out running I always smile and wave at fellow sufferers, um, runners. I also wave at all the cars the pass me on the country roads (whether I’m jogging or driving).
I love your list, Cindy! Little things like a smile really can have a big impact. I hope you have a lovely time with your family.
Cindy, I love your take on this week’s word. We do have opportunities to touch people’s lives. We just need to be a little intentional and look around. I like your “smile opportunity.” I’m going to begin working to smile more at people. Great post!
You have a great list to encourage us! I understand your wait for the grandchildren. I am at my daughter’s home, enjoying the hugs from her toddler, building legos with the 4 year old and reading books to the five year old. Children make us young again.
What a wonderful reminder of the many opportunities we have every day to reflect Jesus, to be His workers here as we go about our daily lives. Thank you!! Your FMF neighbor at #43
I love this, Cindy. Your list is so simple but those little acts can make such a difference in someone’s life. Blessings to you!
Oh I smile at everyone! I believe in the power of smiles. Especially to whoever is preaching on Sunday. They need all the smiles they can get I think! Enjoy your family this weekend. You deserve it! xo