23 December, 2015

The Smile



Dear Lady-with-the-smile,

You may not believe this, but I haven’t forgotten you, the way joy seemed to bubble out of you, or how you looked me in the eye and gave me a wide smile. Thank you; it’s a gift I treasure. It’s always nice to have someone smile at you, but on that day, your smile meant even more.
You see, I’d recently been convinced of the power of a simple smile, and how it’s an easy, yet powerful, way to share hope and care. So that day, I was in the city shopping, but with the intention of smiling at people. 
 
I smiled at a teenage girl I passed on the street. She met my glance for a moment, with confusion and perplexity across her face, before looking away. She didn’t know how to respond, and I couldn’t help but think, You mean, she’s never been smiled at by a stranger before? 

Next I found myself at the mall, where there were lots of people to target. But, I came to realize that people rarely make eye contact any more. The hardest part was catching someone’s eye so they knew my smile was especially for them. Most people wouldn’t look up. Some did, but as soon as I smiled or looked at them, they averted their eyes. Those who did ‘receive’ a smile continued on cold-faced like they didn’t want to accept it, looked at me like I was sketchy, or simply looked away. No one in the entire mall returned my smile.

I walked outside, slightly discouraged, and going home. I guess I just did what everyone else did: put my head down and walked on. But then I had cause to look up, and I saw you. I didn’t even think to share a smile with you; I was busy thinking of other things. But you were smiling, a big laughing smile. You looked happy and joyful. And you looked at me and smiled. I returned your smile, we walked past each other, and that was that. But you did for me what I was trying to do for everyone else. You boosted my spirits, you made me feel special. You made my day, and planted a memory I’m determined not to forget. You proved to me that there is still good in the world, that beyond everyone’s mask is a real live human being. You showed me the power of a smile. 

I’ll probably never see you again, but I just want to say: keep smiling. It might seem like no one notices, but I did. It might seem like a smile could never make a difference, but it did for me. And I want to say thank you, because now I’m convinced; smiles can change the world. 

Jessica :)

18 comments:

  1. What a touching story Jessica! What a reminder that it's the little things that often count for the most! I'm not a very smiley person myself but your story has inspired me to be more so. Thanks for sharing!

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    1. Thank you! Smiling at others doesn't come naturally to me either; I'm kind of the shy girl who looks away. But, I read a true story once how someone's smiling at a stranger saved the stranger's life, and it inspired to use the smile God has given me, to maybe help someone else. As well as this experience, which as I said, proved to me that smiles do have power.

      Sorry for this long-winded reply, Lydia! Thanks so much for reading and commenting - I always enjoy reading your comments! All the best in your quest to smile more! :)

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    2. Wow! That story does sound pretty inspiring. I definitely want to use that God given smile more now!
      Thanks for the long-winded reply! ;)

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  2. Beautiful! It's sad that so many people (myself sometimes included)don't know how to receive a smile. I'm sure you brightened some people's day,though, even of they didn't respond in the moment.

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    1. Praise God, and thanks for your encouragement, Janie. :) It is sad, especially when you see people who are hurting, and you just want to squeeze some hope into them...
      Thanks again & sending you some smiles! :)

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  3. Aw, I really like this post! It's a simple, realistic story, but that has inspired me also to keep smiling! :D <3 ya!

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    1. Hey Stella! Thanks so much for reading and leaving a comment. It means a lot. :) I'm glad it inspired you to keep smiling! I'm sure you've already blessed lots of people with your smile. And yes, the story is realistic - it actually happened to me a couple of weeks ago! :)

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  4. This was amazing, beautiful, and so true Jessica! I loved reading it. :)

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    1. Oh, thank you Shelby, and praise God! I hope it inspired you to share a little joy through your smile. :)

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  5. I know... It is pretty cool to be smiled at. I can't think of any recent smiles I've received but I remember when we were stuck in traffic in Paris last year, this couple on a motorbike or scooter stopped next to our car and they looked in the window and smiled at me. I smiled back and it kind of made my day! I guess I have to learn from them. So many people tell me I don't smile enough even at times when I feel like I smile so much. It's weird but maybe I should apply their constructive criticism to my life....

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    1. Yes, smiles are amazing really - like one tiny action that can change a whole day! I know what you mean, I think people often think I'm grumpy because I'm not always smiling, which is annoying because, no, I'm not grumpy. Anyway, I'd say we all need to smile more! :D

      Thanks for commenting, Niv; you're a blessing to me. I always look forward to hearing your thoughts. :)

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  6. Beautiful post! And it's so true! I've often had my entire outlook on the day
    switched around just by a stranger's smile or kindness, so I definitely need to
    remember to smile to others more.

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    1. Thanks for your cheerful, encouraging comment, Mary! Glad this encouraged you to smile more - let's revolutionize this world! :)

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  7. Wow, i really loved this post, jessica :)
    i just stumbled upon your blog via The Goodness Revolt, and i'm so glad i found this blog. i don't think i've ever tried to make it a point to just walk and smile at people to show that i care, but you're right, that is a important thing to do. your story is so very inspiring, i loved it <3
    - autumn
    autumnreadsandwritesallday.blogspot.com

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    1. Thank you so much, Autumn! And you just put a big smile on my face. :)

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  8. I love this post so much!!!! I know what you mean when you say no one smiles back at you. But when you do have that one person its really amazing! ~Taz

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    1. Thanks, Taz! As you say, even just one smile makes it all worth it. :)

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  9. I agree -- it takes a little bit of courage to smile at strangers when you are naturally shy, but it's not really that hard. In the grand scheme of things, it's one of the easier things for introverts to do and it makes SUCH a difference in everyone's day!!!

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When you comment:

1. My day will be brighter, my face smiling, and my heart blessed.

2. I’m likely to immediately go and explore your blog (if you have one) to find out more of your amazingness, and return the blessing.

3. I will then attempt to craft a response to you that will somehow fail to convey how much I truly appreciate your thoughtfulness and kindness. I’m grateful for every word of encouragement you give, and don’t be afraid to share some constructive criticism also; there’s always more to learn. In short: thank-you! :)