Wednesday, May 2, 2007

Smile


I find that it is not the circumstances in which we are placed, but the spirit in which we face them, that constitutes our comfort.- Elizabeth T. King

The above quote caused me to think of those recovering at Virginia Tech. A recent article spoke of how eager and determined the injured students were to make a quick recovery. Although many found themselves in a tragic circumstance, they have chosen a positive spirit to face this situation. Many times I have quoted, "Pain is inevitable, but misery is optional." When my husband and I have taken youth groups on international trips, we always tell them we only have one rule - NO WHINING. If you are unhappy with a circumstance you cannot change, don't whine. Whining only makes you more miserable and all those around you. As my husband often states, "Life is tough, and then you die." Regardless of your status, race, gender or creed, pain happens. May as well smile awhile, give your face a rest, and make the best of your situation. (The snapshot is of a girl in our church who was on a silly photo scavenger hunt. Hope it made you smile.) This post makes me want to start singing Nat King Cole's song -

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 just smile.

8 comments:

  1. Jana, I love your post! Someone can be dressed beautifully, or handsomely, but if there is no smile to go along with it there is something missing. So, I tell myself that "you are not fully dressed until you wear a smile". There's been a lot of times I didn't feel like smiling, but smiled anyway and somehow it made my heart feel happier and lighter. Thank you for this post.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I am very thankful that I learned as a child that, under normal circumstances, happiness is a choice.
    Helen

    ReplyDelete
  3. Linda - I know you speak the truth. I have never seen you without a smile. Thanks for dropping by.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Helen - and I'm glad we have that choice.

    ReplyDelete
  5. This reminds me of a poem the kids and I memorized when they were younger.

    When the weather suits you not, try smiling.
    When your coffee isn't hot, try smiling.
    When your neighbors don't do right,
    or your relatives all fight,
    sure 'tis hard, but then you might
    try smiling.
    Doesn't change the things of course, just smiling.
    But it cannot make them worse, just smiling.
    And it seems to help your case, brigthtens up a gloomy place, then it sort of rests your face, just smiling.


    Sometimes I remind the kids and myself of this when we get grouchy. :-)

    ReplyDelete
  6. Carol - I love that poem. That's great! Thanks for dropping by.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Jana, tonight I am catching up on my blog reading. I've never heard anyone comment on how magnificant her frown is, but I have heard many comments about a beautiful smile. :) Aterall, a smile is an instant facelift and it truly chases the blues away!!! Great post.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Debbie - thanks for your comment. You are so right. We have often heard the words, "She has a beautiful smile," but we never hear how gorgeous a frown is. Smiles not only chase blues, but they are contagious.

    ReplyDelete