Day 151 Smile!!

 

5/31/2025

 

I was surprised to learn that today is National Smile Day, originating from to dentists desiring to share "the power of a healthy smile." That's not shocking, as good oral hygiene supports an overall healthy body. Sadly, in some countries, dental care is not available as it is in the Western Hemisphere, but thank goodness for organizations like Doctors Across Borders and Samaritan's Purse who provide a multitude of needed services across the globe, as well as Smile Train that provides assistance with corrective surgery for cleft palates and lips. It's a marvelous thing to behold, and it should broaden the smiles of anyone who notices the dramatic changes this assistance provides to a hurting world. 

National Smile Day is also celebrated to foster acts of kindness and encouragement to others showing the positive affects a smile can have in encouraging another person. The Bible says a merry heart does good like medicine," and it's free! Smiles don't cost anything, and it helps lift the face keeping one more youthful in appearance. Frowning, however, ages people very quickly. Facial muscles need working out, so why not do it the easy way and smile!! 

I love to watch people laughing and smiling, because it can be contagious, and we certainly could use more doses of "happiness." I was looking for the photos to include in my post, and the lady above caught my attention. Pictures speak better than words, and this little lady looks to be considerably older, but whatever made her laugh certainly brought a smile to my face just seeing her so happy. While I don't her story or where she lives, I can imagine her life has been difficult, but she has overcome any hardship by learning how to be content with a mirth on the side.

I have always admired Mother Teresa, who offers wise counsel in this photo, while letting us know where our true focus should be:

 

Little kids, especially mischievous ones, seems to find joy more readily than others, as this little fellow proves:  

 

 

Man is not the only creature who is capable of smiling, whenever the one with the camera shouts, "Smile."

 

 

 In this picture the little one's words speak loudly with a lesson we all should learn, especially needed in our world today:

 

 

I understand that the entire month has been called Smile Month. I hope so, because imagine all the acts of kindness and good will can be extended to others in that amount of time. When I lived in Northern New Mexico, one of my favorite things to do was to walk down town around the plaza area of Santa Fe, and give eye to eye contact to people passing by me. Just imagine the change that can come from paying attention to someone, saying "hello" and "how's your day going." Conversations can be sparked, and it's a great opportunity to share about yourself, your life, and if you feel so inclined, it's a perfect time to share faith in Jesus Christ. He is the ultimate smile bringer and encouragement. Whatever you do, wherever you are, have a wonderful month of smiles, spreading the love and shining the light. Laugh hard and laugh long.