A couple months ago, I attended a morning prayer meeting at my church and heard something that made me think. One of the sweetest ladies I have ever met in my life prayed that we would be more aware of others at our church and hold our heads up high. She said that when she was growing up, she remembers thinking that she should hold her head up high and smile at people. She is now a greeter at our church and a key staple in visitors and members alike feeling comfortable. She also mentioned that a Taco Bell cashier thanked her once for treating him like a person and acknowledging his presence.
If I were to describe myself, I would say that I am a very friendly person. I do my best to make eye contact with people and smile at them. Although I will say that this method doesn’t work everywhere.
I’m originally from Chicago and on my first trip back after living in the Ozarks for about 7 months, I found myself smiling and looking at other people in the airport. After a few minutes of being confused why no one was looking at me, I realized that I was in Chicago and people don’t look at each other here. You need to have your “game face”on in public otherwise people with think you are crazy, a tourist, both and take advantage of you.
So here’s my challenge to YOU. If you’re in church or a one on one situation like ordering fast food or at the check out line in the grocery store etc. (unless you’re in a metropolitan area where looking at someone the wrong way might get you in trouble) smile at someone. It just might make their day and yours as well.
Proverbs 17:22: A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. (NIV)
Do you have a story you’d like to share about how a smile or positive encounter made someone’s day? Post it below in the comments!