WHAT'S IN A SMILE?

While I was sitting in a waiting room, a young, nicely dressed, and very pregnant Hispanic woman came in. I smiled at her and she half-heartedly smiled back, her attention focused on the tiny toddler whose hand she tightly gripped.

The baby girl, who couldn't have been more than a year old had short black hair with two little pony tails poking up on top of her head and the rest of her hair sticking out in every direction, Her sparkling black eyes showed a great curiosity in everything around her. She was absolutely adorable!

Then she looked at me. I smiled and she smiled back. We connected in spirit. She continued to look at me, all the while with the sweetest little smile on her face. I couldn't help wonder, "what does a smile mean to her? What does it mean to anyone, really?

New parents delight in their infant's first smile. We write about it in their baby book and call everyone we know to share the news and spend the next several weeks trying to coax that smile from her again. Each time she complies, we smile back and feel that warm tickle in our heart. "we have communicated with our baby."

A smile is believed to be an expression of pleasure or amusement.

I think it's a lot more. It's also sending a very strong message.

When a stranger smiles at us we think they are being friendly. Without speaking they are saying, "no condemnation, I'll give you a chance." A smile bridges every gap, language, religion, race, anger etc.

When I smile at my family or friends, it's with love and appreciation for who they are in my life.

When I share comments with my blog friends, it feels like a smile.

A smile opens a new door. One where people feel accepted, wanted, cared for, loved and believed in.

I think a smile is the beginning of peace.

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