Smiles

“Smile awhile, and give your face a rest,
Raise your hands to the One Who loves the best.
Then shake hands with someone near,
And give to them a smile.”

I learned this little song years ago while helping in a Sunday School class. We attended the chapel services on the military base I was stationed at in Wertheim, Germany; Peden Barracks.

My “ministry” in the class of kindergarten age children was operating a little bear puppet named “Bashful”. The teacher would use Bashful to help teach her lessons and also, entertain the children.

Another song we did, one of Bashful’s favorites, was “Peter, James and John in a Sailboat”. Bashful did all the actions for the song, such as fishing, casting a net, hauling in the great big catch, and, of course, acting bashful.

It’s fun to look back and remember those days. Such a simple, hand puppet like Bashful could put smiles on the little kids faces. Nothing fancy, no big production; just a hand, a song, and a puppet.

Smiles.

Smiles are contagious!

Smiles can lift a heavy heart, and dry someone’s tears.

Smiles can say, “I care for you”, and, “I’m glad you’re here.”

Smiles have a way of helping you forget, if just for awhile, the troubles that surround you.

Smiles are like the puppet, Bashful; revealing, acting out, the love, joy, peace, and kindness that’s within the heart.

The world, OUR WORLD, could really benefit from a simple, heartfelt smile.

Smile awhile, and give your face a rest.

Bless someone today with a smile.