Try Smiling!
The following article written by Nancy Campbell founder of Above Rubies. When I read this article, I got a hit on my head.
There are two things that seem to be fading from society whistling men and smiling mothers. Is it the stress of our busy lives that rob us of these two ingredients that fill homes with happiness? It is rare to hear men whistling today. Mothers’ smiles are also disappearing. I see so many sad, depressed and hang-dog faces on mothers and this is an age of smaller families! Do we need to slow down to find time to smile again? To take time to smile at our children.
A smile is a necessary part of mother’s countenance. The Bible tells us that the more we behold the Lord, the more we will grow into His likeness (2 Corinthians 3:18). In the same way, your children look at you all day long, and every day. What do they see? Do they see a frowning face? A grumbling face? A downcast look? Or even a furious look?
Guess what your children will be like? Exactly what they see on your face! They will grow into your likeness. Do you want happy children? Then let them see a happy and smiling face. Change your frown into a smile. Start smiling at your children. Smile at them all day long. Every time you look at one of your children, smile at them!
What if you don’t feel like it? Forget your feelings. You can’t trust them. Put on a smile even when you don’t feel like smiling. You will change, and yes, your children will change. You will notice a difference in their behavior.
What about your husband! When did you last smile at him? Or is he used to glaring looks? Or a complaining countenance? Are you daily adding to his stress? Did you know that men can’t stand grumbling, depressed woman? They run from them. If you want to keep your husband, smile at him. Your smiles will relieve his stress. They are better than a doctor’s visit. He will bask in your happy and contented countenance.
William Arthur Ward wrote, “Blessed is the woman who has a smile in her voice, a sparkle in her eyes, a song on her lips; a spring in her step; a warmth in her touch, a depth to her beauty, a purpose for her life, a joy in her faith and a love in her heart.
