I noticed it again this morning; I put my toe on the little round switch that causes the lights on the trees and the mantle to light and begin to twinkle…as I did I smiled. I opened the photos section in my computer and as I scanned over 8K pictures I saw the one that made my heart jump just a little and there it was again, the smile. I bought a little silver frame that has a red velvet ribbon attached to it so that it can hang from the Christmas tree, on it is inscribed “You are always with us in love”, as I watched it swinging slowly, the lone ornament on that tree, the middle and largest of the group of three musical ones, first a tear made a wee path in the powder I had just applied to my cheek but then it happened, a smile followed. I held my breath for a moment as I remembered my dad and mother writing names on their Christmas cards making sure that each of us got a little money, money that daddy saved all year to do just that. If anyone gave him a gift of money he had a special place that he folded it away, if someone wrote a personal check to him he would have me to cash it for him and then those bills would join the others in his secret hiding place. When his Christmas cards were all finished he would have depleted his little stash of money and we all had a little extra “green” in our Christmas stockings.
Last year he sent me to buy his cards and I brought them home to him, the mistake I made was handing them to my mother to administrate. It never occurred to me on Christmas Day with all the hustle and bustle of the day that none of us received our little card, later I found them hidden in an underwear drawer. She didn’t realize what she had done and in her right thinking would never ever have done that but I took those cards and put them away, I have them… this year I am going to make sure that everyone gets the card that they were meant to get last year, from daddy and mother… thinking of that makes me smile.
Have you given someone including yourself a smile today? Try it now, just turn up the corners of your mouth and say with the Psalmist David, Psalm 100:5 “For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to all generations.”
I leave you with lyrics to a song penned by Charlie Chaplin in 1936 “Smile” Smile, though your heart is aching
Smile, even though it’s breaking
When there are clouds in the sky
you’ll get by
If you smile through your fear and sorrow
Smile and maybe tomorrow
You’ll see the sun come shining through
for you
Light up your face with gladness
Hide every trace of sadness although a tear may be ever so near
That’s the time you must keep on trying
Smile what’s the use of crying
You’ll find that life is still worthwhile
If you’ll just
Smile
Merry Christmas 2013
Harolene.com 
Thank you I have a smile. Merry Christmas
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😄❤️ And you just gave one to me!
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I always try to smile even if I don’t feel like it, thaks for sharing and again making me cry. I love you all. Merry Christmas it will be keep smilling.
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I read your inspired by God words each and every morning. Many times they bring tears to my eyes and they make me think. Often times they lead me to prayer. This morning was no different. First a tear (actually several) and then a smile. Thank you! There comes the power of the Holy Spirit rushing in and around me as I type this thinking of what I just read. Bless you for allowing God to work through you. I’m sending my love to you and please share with all the family. I hate I have to miss tonight. The memories from years before of concerts and Christmas plays fill my mind and satisfy my soul!
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Thank you precious Tim! Love to you and your family today 😄❤️
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I have always had a motto I live by. Smile as big as you can, as often as you can & watch what happens. There are those that will almost croak because they don’t know what you are smiling about. Some others think you know something about them that wished you didn’t. And the third group is usually those that think you are crazy. Either way it is fun. However, the real me likes to smile all the time. I have much to be thankful for so when I count my blessings I can’t help but smile. Remember honey captures more than vinegar does. And a smile causes more pleasure in others than a frown does. I truly believe that the Lord smiles more than He frowns. In the early 90’s an artist came out with a series of charcoal drawings of Jesus & then big difference was in every picture Jesus was smiling. The first time I saw them they brought tears to my eyes as I really saw Him as I have always thought of Him. So no matter what I do or where I go I want to do it with a big sincere smile on my face & a twinkle in my eyes. May I be an encourager to all I meet. Have a blessed day & God bless you.
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Thanks for that! ❤
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