Stories & Smiles.
Smiles are wonderful things. Carol Harrison shares how the book of Proverbs helps her to remember the importance of our attitude during challenging times.
A Spreading Grin
Have you ever tried to be angry, upset, or sad when you hear a funny story, told by someone with a grin spreading across their face? Have you been able to keep that frown on your face when you watch a toddler try new things or use their imagination? What happens to the grumpiness when someone shows us a kindness or lightens the mood with a quip, a good joke, or a well told tall tale?
Bring Smiles to my Face
I can think of many times in my life when someone brightened my day with their sense of humor or use of their imagination. Listening to the giggles of small children, watching them play, and receiving a hug—just because can bring a smile to my face and I imagine to most people’s faces. It might not last long enough to chase away the puzzle pieces of hurt, anger, frustration, depression, or various life struggles, but it can brighten life for one moment and offer a chance to escape life’s heaviness.
I know for myself that no matter how discouraged I might be, taking time to watch the antics of my little grandson brings a smile to my face again. At two he already knew where grandma’s snack cupboard was located but often, he had more fun pulling out the boxes of granola bars or crackers than he did begging to have some. One day, after emptying the contents of the snack cupboard on to the floor, I enjoyed watching his imagination at work. He loved cars and trucks but decided to “race” granola bars as if they were cars, complete with sounds.
Baby & Toddler Giggles
Baby and toddler giggles are so much fun to listen to. A little tickle, or for some the thought they might get tickled can send them into gales of laughter. When any of my grandchildren climbed on my knee for some cuddle time, I loved it. The trust and love, the quiet moments to capture a simple pleasure, and the chance to give a hug as I rocked them cleared away some of the weariness of life for a moment or two and created beautiful memories. I cannot help but smile and put the memory in my story bank for a time when it will make a good illustration for writing or speaking. Sometimes the story is a reminder to me to cherish those fleeting moments that are gone too quickly.
Most of my grandchildren are grown now and no longer fit on my knee for a cuddle. I still treasure their hugs, visits, and smiles. Flipping through old albums of photos brings some fun times, some of their silly faces or imaginative play back to my mind and a smile to my face.
How do we Respond?
In the puzzle of life there are many things we can’t change because they are beyond our control. But we can have a choice about how we respond to the tough and good times of life. Do we dig deep and find help in God? Do we hide away for a pity party? Sometimes I know I find guests like fear, doubt, anger, confusion, sorrow, and bad attitude come to fill my mind and join in a pity party that sinks me into a depression. It is not what I want and it takes a lot to kick those unwanted negative guests to the curb. I hunt for the speck of faith, small as a grain of mustard seed and ask God to allow his peace and presence to invade my life instead. Why do I forget to go there first? What I do with my attitude is up to me but God promises to help when I choose to allow him to clean up the remnants of the poor me party.
Verses From Proverbs
The book of Proverbs in the Bible has some great verses to help me remember how much joy and a smile can affect one’s life and that of others as well.
Proverbs 12: 25 says, “An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up.”
Proverbs 15: 1 reminds us about our words, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
Proverbs 15: 13 tells us, “A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit.” And in chapter 17: 23 it says, “A cheerful heart is good medicine but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”
These are words of wisdom and we know the truth of them in everyday life when we sit back and observe interactions among people. Smiles, giggles, laughter, and funny stories lift our spirits, calms our hearts, and takes our minds off the troubles that might be filling our lives. We can’t do it on our own, at least not that deep down, joy-filled life. That comes from having Jesus in our hearts.
Proverbs 3: 5, 6 tells us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding’ in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Attitude Choices
As I reflected on smiles, imagination, and my enjoyment of telling stories, I know this needs to reflect in the choices I make about my attitude, actions, and words. I need to trust God to help me as I journey through the many mixed-up pieces of my life’s puzzle. As I thought about all of these things, I read a quote that resonated with me. Jay Danzie, world renowned speaker, author, and brand strategist said,
“Your smile is your logo; your personality is your business card, and how you leave others feeling after an experience with you becomes your trademark.”
My Smile
I love my smile. As I tell my stories, speak, and mentor others, I believe my smile helps to make me approachable and puts others at ease. A smile makes the day go better and allows others a glimpse into my authentic self. I love that my smile can be my logo.
I am passionate about mentoring people of all ages and abilities to help them find their voice and reach their fullest potential. I share real life experiences and stories of faith to encourage them to find that glimmer of hope no matter what the circumstance.
How About Smiles in Your Life?
What about you? How do stories and smiles fit into your life?
Being approachable and authentic is the trademark I want to leave as I tell my stories, do my workshops and presentations and mentor others. Stories and smiles are the umbrella that covers all the things I am and love to do.
Everyone has a story but not everyone feels comfortable sharing their stories, not everyone loves to tell them, to have them spill out whenever they open their mouth or sit to write something down. But I love stories of all kinds and am a good storyteller.
I will use a story to answer a question. Stories show up when I speak or write. I use them to entertain others and bring smiles to their faces. Stories help add punch, reality, and pizazz to presentations and help others remember the points I am making. In this way I can use them to educate others on topics near and dear to my heart. A true story of triumph over tragedy becomes a message from the mess and lets others know they are not alone when they walk through the tough stuff of life. Stories of faith touch me deeply and make me stronger.
A Smile Turned Upside Down
Everyone has the ability to smile but for some people the tough circumstances of life have turned that smile upside down on an almost permanent basis and you wonder if they will ever smile again. But smiling is contagious and stories draw others in. Therefore, the combination can offer that glimpse of possible joy and a glimmer of hope which is what I love to do every day and believe I have a God given gift and need to be a good steward and tell the stories. The antics of my grandchildren, that make me smile, also fuel stories. Have a dose of medicine – smile.
Do you find it easy to smile? What makes you smile? We would love to hear from you. Comment below or contact us at HopeStreamRadio.
Carol Harrison
Listen to Carol’s program Puzzle Pieces Of Life or visit Carol’s website carolscorner.ca
Carol Harrison B.Ed is a speaker and published author with one book, Amee’s Story and stories in twelve anthologies. She is passionate about helping people of all ages and ability levels find their voice and reach their fullest potential.
She knows, through personal experience that some of life’s experiences are tougher than others. She encourages people that even in the twists and turns of life God’s amazing grace provides hope.
She lives in Saskatoon, SK with her husband Brian. They have four adult children and a dozen grandchildren.
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Image Credits
Smiling Children – 1494202
Smiling Woman – StockSnap
Smiling Man – Free-Photos
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