WHAT IS IN A SMILE?

WHAT IS IN A SMILE?

By Eileen Renders

What is in a smile? A friendly acknowledgement, or perhaps just a superficial act of friendliness, or just an automatic response to an obvious stare; often we just “Don’t know how to take some people.” In doing a little research, I discovered that in some cases, people react strongly to the smile of certain people. They return the smile in an eager, emotional way, although they do not recognize the individual who initiated the smile.

In my research, I have found that these people trigger an emotional reaction in others with just a smile because a smile that evokes an emotional response is in no way ordinary. Some smiles are so sincere and comforting because a feeling of love and safety is almost visible. Such a smile evokes trust and approachability. Those on the receiving end of this kind of smile are drawn toward that person.

That said, how and where does this type of smile come from?  

Many of us have wondered why we have never heard of, or seen a depiction of Jesus smiling, yet Jesus is not unaware. God, we all realize, loves to give spiritual graces and blessings to those who love Him, follow His commandments, and are focused on avoiding sin.

Therefore, seeing God’s love shine through a smile from one of God’s faithful followers is not only a spiritual grace to the one who initiates that smile, but also draws the receiver in, as they too sense the spirituality. All of this creates a rebound effect, as God is also pleased.These smiles are conveyed while the eyes show sincerity from the heart.

We have learned that we can never give to God as much as He wants to give back to us.