Upheld in Smiling

Smiling 

Smiles seemed to be the hallmark of last weekend. I like those kinds of days. The weekend began when I met my friend, Jacque, at the Post Falls Park at the dam. Such a lovely place.

 

 

It is springtime and God paints the most beautiful colors together. Layer upon layer.

Neither Jacque nor I could resist capturing the beauty to look at again, over and over.

 

 

And who could not smile at these sweet babies and their mama?

God smiles when we admire his handiwork. It’s almost like He’s walking ahead of us, with His arms outstretched, exclaiming, “Do you see what I have created for you to enjoy? How do you like it? Are you having as much fun looking as I had in making it? Tell me your thoughts.”

Yes, He cares for our thoughts about what He has done. He doesn’t need our affirmation at all, but I think it warms His heart when we share in the blessings He gives.

 

Smiling At Rocks

I have a friend who paints rocks and delights to leave them on her walks so other people can find them. So, Kelly, you don’t often get reactions, but Jacque and I found two painted rocks on our walk through the park and we loved finding them—as like finding treasures. We left them for others to find, but I thought of you, Kelly. Still smiling.

I think God must feel like that, too. He loves when we discover His treasures.

 

 

 

Seeing Smiles

It seems our state is moving forward in Covid recovery. Finally! About time! We have new rules about mask wearing. If you are fully vaxed (and I am), then you don’t have to wear a mask. In most places but the grocery stores, I guess.

At church yesterday, I had not realized how much I missed seeing the smiles on everyone’s faces. Ok, eyes smile, too, but to see the whole face smile is like a ray of sunshine. What a lovely blessing!

It made me more conscious than ever to remember to smile at people when I am out and about. Who knows that someone’s day might just change around because I smiled at them? Certainly, I have experienced that kind of turn around because somebody smiled at me. How about you? I have heard that called a “yes face.”

Neighbor Smiles

For years, I have wanted to bring neighbors together. Yesterday was the day. I held an “Open Porch” and invited my neighbors up and down the street and the cul-de-sac across from me. While not all the neighbors I invited came, quite a few of us got to meet each other.

Some got to learn more of the history of their home from other neighbors who have lived in the ‘hood for a while. I noticed that every neighbor made the opportunity to meet and chat with each other. That warmed my heart and I think we’ll do it again.

Lots of smiles. What a very pleasant time. And I think there will be more visiting as we all take our walks up and down the street.

I am quite sure that God loves it when we build relationships with one another. It is an easy way to please Him. In a smile, there is life.

God smiled last weekend. What a gift!

“In the light of the king’s face is life, and his favor is like a cloud of the latter rain” (Proverbs 16:15 NKJV).