Smiles

Sometimes my smiles get caught in the net of hurt.  It's like they can't shine through.  Can't come out to play.  But, in healing times and learning to grow, real smiles are nurtured.  Smiles are a gift.  To the one who smiles, from God himself, and to those who are smiled at.....by the one who smiles.  And it seems so simple.  So......basic.  Yet a smile can change a whole day.  I find that when mine gets caught....gets stuck in the waves of emotion.....God sends me a smile through others.  It might be when I'm driving along or walking down the street.  You know the kind of smile:  where someone looks right at you and beams.  Friend or stranger.  It is uplifting.  The gift of being able to smile and of receiving smiles is huge.  I am thankful for smiles.  And it's pleasing to begin to find mine again.  The real one.  Not the plastered on one.  It might seem a little worn.  It might look a little aged.  But, it's real.  It comes from the heart and shines out from the whole face. 
grace to you.