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School is done for the students but not for the staff, so I have both girls for a few days. One can never tell what a day holds in store when one is with double the amount of bundled energy and personality. On Monday, we headed out to do some painting and creating at a local store …

 

 

 

 

 

Afterwards, we went to “breakfast for lunch” also in the center of our town. While waiting for our lunch, I engaged them both in conversation with questions like:

  • What did they like best about school this year?
  • What should we do on our family vacation in July?
  • Are there any movies coming out over the summer they might want to see?
  • Did they enjoy sleeping in the same room now?

Then I sneezed. And a few seconds later, Jocelyn sneezed. And a few seconds more, Sophia sneezed which resulted in the girls erupting into hysterical laughter. Sophia commented, “Sneezes must be contagious!”

She informed me yawns were also contagious and the girls proceeded in a demonstration which failed to convince me but caused more laughter.

I asked if they could think of anything else that could be contagious to which the answer came, “Smiles!”

And, “Frowns!”

Of course, we had to try to pass those to one another as well and another round of giggles began.

We settled down to take in a few bites of breakfast/lunch and then came the deep thought out of the mouth of a five year old … “I would rather catch a smile than a frown. Frowns mean grumpy. Smiles mean happy.”

We were still sitting in our booth, when an elderly couple sitting a short ways from us, rose from their booth and holding hands began to walk. As they passed our table, the wife remarked quietly to me, “They are beautiful. And she’s right, smiles are contagious. Thank you!”

They both continued on walking, now smiling.

The short exchange has stayed with me since Monday, and I have not even shared it until now. Smiles can be such an indication of what is inside our hearts. Jesus, in speaking about abiding in Him and His love, said:

“I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!” (John 15:11, NLT)

May our joy – in and through Christ – so fill us that it cannot be contained.
May others get a glimpse of this joy and yes, even catch it!

“Let us always meet each other with a smile, for the smile is the beginning of love.” (Mother Teresa)

 

Today I am joining … Porch Stories and Tell His Story and Coffee For Your Heart and Woman to Woman .