The Power Of A Smile

March 1st marked "Share a Smile" day - a whole day devoted to reminding us to smile. To some it may seem a little silly to have a whole day for this, but the truth is that a smile can hold such power. Peace, joy, laughter - so much can be brought to another person just by offering them a smile.

I think back to when my oldest child *first* smiled at me. He was well into toddler-hood because he's on the autism spectrum, so smiling wasn't really his forte. But oh did I relish in that first small grin.  I still greatly treasure each smile of his even now at 8 years old, because they aren't given for just any old thing.

There's something about watching our children smile that can make any day better. Seeing their joy, especially if we caused it, fills a place somewhere deep in our hearts that we didn't realize was needing filling.

Take today, even though it's not officially share a smile day, and be intentional and generous with your smiles. See how it affects people, see how they change and mold into a more peaceful human before your eyes.

This video of a baby laughing will get you started - I couldn't stop smiling after watching it!