Smiling can be contagious. 

 

By GARY ANDREWS 

gary@gadevotionals.com

 

     What is something that you can pass on to others but never lose? 

            It is a smile. This is something that becomes infectious because in almost every situation when you smile at someone he or she will smile back. 

            A smile is customarily an expression of pleasure or amusement, but can also be an involuntary expression of anxiety, in which case it can be known as a grimace. Even in anxious moments or desperate situations smiling becomes an innate reaction.     Smiling, according to Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, not only changes a facial expression, but can also make the brain produce endorphins which reduce physical and emotional pain and give a greater sense of well-being. 

            Each and every day that we are out and about in this world we are going to cross paths with someone. Even though we do not know what problems may be lurking about with these people we can offer them a smile and, quite possibly, offer them a little hope because we gave them something they did not have at that time. 

            It has often been said that “laughter is the best medicine.” Many medical theories attribute improved health and well-being to laughter. Some studies demonstrate that certain hormones in our body decrease with laughter, which provides support that humor can relieve stress. 

     What a better world this would be if all of us would carry a smile around with us. 

Then when possible, let’s give this smile away and help someone else. 

            Many people in our community are hurting for reasons we are not aware. Some of these reasons will surface and help can be given in the appropriate ways when tension is relieved, and reassurance can be given. 

            There are many of us that are anxious about situations and problems that we may be able to or may not be able to control. Whatever the problems we need to turn them over to the Lord and allow Him to work through us. 

 Put a smile on your face everyday and give the day to the Lord, and then look to Him for guidance. You will feel much better about yourself and will make an impact on those around you. 

     Psalm 15:13A “A happy heart makes the face cheerful,...”

     Psalm 17:22A “A cheerful heart is good medicine,...”

            Prayer: “Lord, thank you for loving us and being with us everyday. I pray that today I may be a witness for you to someone that does not know you personally. Amen.”             (Suggested daily Bible readings) Sunday - Psalm 96: 10-13; Monday - Psalm 98: 4-6; 

Tuesday - Proverbs 15: 30; Wednesday - Romans 15: 30-33; Thursday - Luke 10: 21-22; Friday - Habakkuk 3: 17-19; Saturday - 1 Thessalonians 5: 12-19) A012-07

             

 

 

 

 Will you show kindness to someone today?

 

By Gary Andrews

gary@gadevotionals.com

 

     Not long ago a good friend of mine shared a letter with me he titled, “Kindness Unforgotten.”

     It was a letter to he and his wife from a young man that visited with them over 20 years ago. This child, who was six years old at the time, spent three months with my friend and his family and now 20 years later continues to thank them for their courtesies and kindness extended to him and his family. This is something that will never be forgotten and a good example that will be passed on from this young man to others.

     In a similar situation, I spent some time when I was in the Air Force in California. Unknown to me before I went to Edwards AFB, CA, I had a cousin, about the same age of my dad that lived close to the base, and he befriended me when I arrived and treated me as if I was a member of his family. His daughter and I became friends and still communicate with each other today even though we haven’t seen each other in years.

     Kindness has an everlasting effect. I am sure that most of you can look back on times in your life when someone was kind to you and treated you with gentleness. I am also sure that you can remember sometimes when you were treated unkindly.

     In today’s society one doesn’t hear much about the Golden Rule anymore. Sadly, to say I haven’t heard anyone repeat it or use it because of the dog eats dog worldly traditions we are a part of.

     “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you,” is something all of us need to remember and use in our daily living. Kind actions are always going to be remembered. Treat someone with kindness today and your return will great!

     In Matthew 7:12 Jesus tells us, “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”

     Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for the people I have met and for the kindness that has been shown to me. I pray that I also will show kindness to someone each and everyday of my life. Amen.

     (Suggested daily Bible readings: Sunday - Ephesians 4:32; Monday - Proverbs 14:21; Tuesday - Gensis 50:15-21; Wednesday - Romans 12:10-15; Thursday - 2 Peter 1:5-7; Friday - Proverbs 31:20; Saturday - Psalm 23:6.)A114-10