It was an ordinary day.

Rise early. Jog a few miles. Breathing in the great outdoors.

Then home. Shower. Dress and out to door for a day of teaching.

But always.

Yes always. I stopped at the local 7 – 11 for a hot cup of coffee.

Something about that fresh cup of coffee just started my day off right.

So on this particular day I walked into the store.

And there he stood. Off to the corner of the store.

Close enough to watch people scurrying in and out.

But not in anyone’s way.

Yes, I saw him.

And went on my way grapping the styrofoam cup

and filling it with my favorite brew.

Then as I turned and walked towards the counter

I glanced at him again.

Baggy pants, shabby oversized shirt. Big floppy hat.

But honestly that’s not what

captured my attention that morning.

No, there he stood.

A simple man. With obviously little means.

But a big smile on his face.

It hit me. Truth.

I quickly paid for my coffee and turned to walk out of the store.

My eyes met his

and for a second-

a brief short second

we smiled at each other.

It was seemingly that simple.  But for days and weeks and now years later

I remember that encounter.

See I, the busy school teacher, on her way to school that day

was so focused on what I had to do that day – my responsibilities-

that I almost missed it.

I almost missed an opportunity.

And this man who is no longer with us

gave me a gift that morning.

A smile.

A smile that drew from me a smile of my own.

A smile that lasted well into that day and for days after.

A truth.

That it takes so little to smile.

But a smile is a gift you give another.

A smile draws us together in care.

No matter where you live —a smile is the same in every language.

A smile connects people and builds a bridge.

Yes, I’ll never forget that moment

when I saw him standing off to the side.

He gave me a gift that day. A gift that will last for a lifetime.

My heart was uplifted. My burdens lighter. My day changed.

And I was reminded of what is most important.

People. You and I. God. Love. Together.

A smile.

 

 

Proverbs 15:30 “A cheerful look brings joy to the heart; good news makes for good health.”