Why are we drawn to people who smile? Probably because a smile is contagious, affirming, reassuring, attractive, and inviting.
Children love a teacher who smiles a lot. That makes them feel safe.
At the end of the school year, educators evaluate the year. They consider the highlights, and reflect on what could be improved. When I was an administrator, I used to ask the teachers to complete a brief questionnaire. The form was a way of gathering feedback regarding what went well, what could be changed for the coming year, and how I could better help them in the future.
Regarding how I could better assist them, I was surprised to read the same remark from several teachers. “Keep smiling.”
I reflected on what message I was sending when I smiled. I communicated that I was pleased with them, all was going well, and learning was fun.
I love to imagine God pleased with me. Smiling at me in approval.
What pleases God?
Here are some verses that give us a hint of what might make Him smile at us.
“The Lord delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.” Psalm 147:11
“For the Lord takes delight in his people; He crowns the humble with victory.” Psalm 149:4
“…but let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me, that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,’ declares the LORD.” Jeremiah 9:24
“Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.” 1 Peter 3:4
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Most children get one negative comment to five positive comments each day.
Children with ADHD get five negative comments to one positive comment each day.
Imagine what a sincere smile could do for a child with ADHD.
A smile….such a simple thing…to brighten someone’s day…to make someone feel they are special….it goes a long way…..Lord, help me to smile more…
Thank you for sharing Vicki!
love, debbie
Kelley – I love them!! Bill you are so great at this craft!! You take the most breath tainkg pictures I have ever seen!! Kyle is 16 and I have NEVER had pictures this good taken of him!!
I will make sure I smile today 🙂 Great post!! I’ll try better to visit all my bbf ❤ You should get Google AdSense so I can click on your adds ❤
I’ll have to check out Google AdSense. I’m fairly new at blogging. Thanks for the suggestion.
Oh, I love this post, Vicki! I smile all the time and it really does brighten up your day and those around them. We are to be a light unto the world and how can we do that if we look as worried, upset, frustrated, etc as everyone else. In the midst of trying times, the person with the smile on their face is who people will gravitate to most.
I’ve got on my happy face! 🙂
Fawn,
Your smile certainly lights up the blog world!
“that’s the time you must keep on trying
smile what’s the use of crying
you’ll find that life is still worthwhile
if you just smile”…
count me in and my laughter prone kids vicki. thanks for a wonderful post.
What a blessing it must be to have ‘laughter prone kids!’ Love that description.