What Makes You Smile?

The human smile is a result of a combination of several factors. A smile can start because of a thought (neurological), a social interaction or an emotional trigger (psychological), and the reaction of a cranial nerve that controls the facial muscles that pull the corner of the mouth upward (physiological). Well, that is enough about the process of smiling.

What I really want to do in this week's article is to list some of the things in my life that make me smile. In turn, I hope you will take some time this week to consider what makes you smile. In our world today, we all need a break from the daily news and have some time and reason just to smile.

1. My wife makes me smile. We are nearing our 57th Wedding Anniversary as I write this. The joy she brings to our marriage, her unconditional love, and her unending support bring a smile to my face.

2. Our adult children and their spouses cause me to smile. I am moved by their success, their commitment to Christ, and their love for each other and their children.

3. Grandchildren and now great-grandchildren have so much energy, enthusiasm, and excitement about life that my smile easily changes to laughter.

4. I smile at "Dad Jokes." I think that many of them are funny, but even funnier is watching my wife and my daughter roll their eyes when I tell one.

5. Seeing longtime friends and new close friends brings a smile.

6. Reminiscing about family gatherings and outings of days gone by brings a smile.

7. A nap after a tiring day brings a smile (and sometimes a snoring sound).

8. A few totally random things that bring a smile:

   1. A plate of sizzling fajitas in a good Tex Mex restaurant;

   2. A Baylor Bear football victory;

   3. A good book on a rainy day;

   4. A surprise call or note from a long term friend.

9. On a more spiritually focused side of life:

   1. Recalling how God answered our prayers about vocational decisions;

   2. Reading a familiar verse from the Bible and sensing again God's unconditional love;

   3. Privileged to baptize all four of our grandchildren;

   4. Still being able to serve in various ways during retirement.

10. Writing this weekly article brings a smile as I realize that it is not just writing - it is a way to stay connected with each of you on a regular basis.

    
    

    I realize that all of the things I have listed and the many others that I could have listed have one source:

    
    

    "Every good gift and every perfect gift

    is from above, coming down from the Father of lights,

    with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change."

    James 1:17

    
    

    A smile is a gift of God. I hope you have many opportunities to smile this week. And when you do, start your own list of the things that make you smile.