This is Why I Smile

Proverbs 15:13

A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance,

but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.

The other day I was walking into Kroger and realized that my expression was hurting my face. I don't know how long I'd been scowling, but it felt like forever. So I broke out in a wide smile and all the achiness in my face went away. I guess it's true what they say, it takes more muscles to frown than to smile. And I reminded myself, you're going to have to remember to smile more often! I so felt like I hadn't been smiling much lately that I mentioned it to a friend, who laughed and said, "Casey! You smile all the time!"

Do I? I guess so; it's always been my default expression. Smiling just feels good, and I think it makes other people feel good, and I know it certainly feels good when they smile back at me. There are lots of reasons to smile, I suppose, and I know a lot of people smile when they don't really feel like it. Some smiles hide a secret sadness or pain. Some smiles make people wonder what you're up to. But when I think about why I smile, it's not hard for me to come up with a reason.

I smile because I'm happy! In spite of sadness or pain, in spite of everything else that's going on that may or may not be pleasant, I can honestly say that I'm happy. I'm happy because I know Jesus. I'm happy because I know I'm blessed. I'm happy because I know God loves me. I'm happy because I know He cares, and in all things is working for my good. But to tell you the truth, I'm happy becuase I don't like the alternative. People can find all kinds of excuses to be sad or mad. I prefer to be glad!

Being a man of constant sorrow is a heavy load to bear. When my heart is breaking, there are days I just want to cry. There are some days I just want to die. But I don't do either of those things (well, at least I don't do the first for long.) There are times I just want to close the world out and have myself a solitary pity party for one! But then I realize, that's what kills the soul. That's what breaks the spirit. And I refuse to let my spirit die. So I choose to be happy.

And that is why I smile!

Now turn that frown upside down and give happiness a go!

Smile, it increases your face value!

Don't worry, be happy!

Give the world a smile each day!

Smile, Jesus loves you. And I do too.