smiling's my favorite

wow.

you never know when a simple smile, hello, and how ya doin' might just make someones day. in my position at work - and all my life, really -i've been a smiler, a people greeter, and people pleaser.

i'm not sure why God gave the this little gift, but i'm sure glad He did. i like to smile. i like to make people feel good. i like them to be happy around me. for the most part, i feel like i'm fairly successful.

God and I have been talking a lot this week. it's been an emotionally draining week. i've spent more time in prayer this week than i have in a long time. i've been praying for my dear friend and her family as they suffer a great loss. i've been praying for a positive attitude. i've been praying for guidance for the crossroads that face j and i in the near future. i have been praying for a thankful heart. i have been praying for a sign that i make a difference in this hamster wheel of a life.

i often have a smile on my face that masks the turmoil taking place on the inside. it was nice to have confirmation today that i have made a difference and my smile, though sometimes forced, has made someones day.

this morning, i got a facebook message from a guy that i haven't seen in years. he and i went to school together in good ole dumas, and i had actually forgotten about him over the years. facebook can be a great tool to reconnect people, if used in the correct manner. many people often abuse it.

anyway - the message read:

"You probably don't remember me, but when we were in Jr. High you were the only cheerleader who spoke to me every day with a smile. I just wanna say thanks for being so nice. It's the little things that I never forget."

i had absolutely no idea that my simple smile and hello to this fellow would make his day in those wretched jr. high school years. i had no clue what his home life, situation, or day-to-day struggles were like - but my kindness to him was appreciated.

now, 10-15 years (ouch. that's a long time) later - he's thanking me for a simple smile and my kindness.

i guess this was God's little pat on the back after a long, hard week.

you never know how your actions, words, and life will impact someone. that little message from a nearly forgotten face just brightened my day, much like i did his years ago - i suppose.

be the best YOU that YOU can be. life is short, but sweet.

"Be ye kind to one another." Ephesians 4:32

"Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm." Ralph Waldo Emerson

"The question is not whether we will die, but how we will live." Unknown

seize the day and happy weekend.