We live in the age
of media, social networks and webcams that bring instant attention to whatever
we want to promote. Often things we see are not very wholesome. But there’s a
way you can broadcast yourself without costing you a dime.
Smile.
Yesterday, I got the
biggest compliment when someone said to me, “You
always have a smile on your face!” I’m not conscience of it anymore but yes
there was a time when I made it my personal growth plan to “learn to smile.” Our smile has powerful implications. Researchers
say it take forty seven muscles to frown but only four to smile. Today we’ll
look at many benefits of smile and laughter.
Our smile is the
billboard that either draws people to us or repels people from us. When we
smile, we’re saying, I like you; I’d like
to get to know you better. If our eyes
are the window to our soul, our smile is the window to our heart. When we smile,
we express the joy in our hearts. A smile breaks down barrier and makes us
welcoming to strangers.
When I was in “smile training” I made me think happy
thoughts or a funny incident to get me going. I’m sure, at times, people
thought I was stupid. But that didn’t stop me from my smile exercise. Soon it
became so part of me that I was smiling naturally. I didn’t have to fake it or
manufacture it. I had a cheerful continence without making any effort. Now, everywhere
I go people are drawn to me because they feel welcomed to talk to me.
I’ve always felt awkward
watching Christian movies where Jesus is characterized as a serious, mystical
figure. Sometimes even his voice is altered and it sounds very fake and
religious. In a recent version, Jesus is smiling when He comes out of the waters
of baptism. He plays with the kids and jokes with the disciples. I believe that
Jesus was a lighthearted man. People felt
safe to be around him. His smile made people comfortable. His smile broadcasted His heart.
Modern medical
science is finding out the benefits of smile, laughter and a cheerful
continence. The neuroscience section of
the Discovery Channel lists some of the advantages of laughter. It lowers blood
pressure. It reduces stress hormones. It increases disease-killing cells. It
releases endorphins – a feel good hormone that reduces stress. It strengthens
the immune system. It improves memory and creativity. I don’t know about
you but I’ll smile all day just to get the benefit of any one of these. I love
it when medical science proves age-old truths in the Bible. God’s Word says, “A cheerful heart is good medicine” (Proverbs. 17:22
NLT). Did you know in many nursing homes, old comedies are being played? It’s
bringing healing and lengthening the days of its occupants. Laughter brings
longevity.
In our recent
missions trip to China, we’re standing in a long line trying to enter the Great
Wall. It was a very hot day and there were no covers anywhere. Hundreds of
people were packed like sardines. My team and I were all very uncomfortable. Suddenly,
I spotted a little Chinese boy and his sister who were with their mother and
grandparents. They were being impatient like us. I smiled and made some
friendly gestures and immediately they responded. Soon we’re laughing,
tickling, playing and providing entertainment to at least couple of dozen
people standing in the line around us. The time passed must faster. When we’re
about to enter the gate those two kids made their way in front of us to say bye
to us. I put my hands on them and prayed a silent prayer for them to know Jesus
and serve Him someday.
Smile my friend. It
suits you. It will add years to your life. When we broadcast ourselves with a
smile, people know we’re open for business. They feel safe to befriend us. We
can be healing balm to those who are hurting. A smile, laughter and a merry
heart does good like a medicine. Smile!
“All the days of the afflicted are evil, but the cheerful
of heart has a continual feast”
(Proverbs 15:15 ESV).
Click Here to Spread the Message of Hope: www.buildinternational.org
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