Virus

I have often been impressed with the way something very small can change everything. I am reminded of this at the moment because some tiny, microscopic virus has gotten into my lungs and laid me low for a few days. In an earlier period, I might have even become a statistic, but fortunately, in our day, there is an antidote and I hope to be well again within a few days. The point of this post, however, is not about my current unexpected period of enforced rest. It is about the ability of small things to bring about big changes.

Take for instance a smile. On the surface, it is little more than the sometimes involuntary twitch of a few small facial muscles. It costs the smiler nothing, takes almost no effort, and depending on their state of mind, the person smiling may even be unaware of it happening. Despite this, a smile can have a huge impact on people and situations. Used appropriately, it can release endorphins, defuse tensions, and even engender feelings of peace and good will.

The smile of a certain young Italian lady, Lisa Gherardini apparently so fascinated and inspired Leonardo de Vinci that it changed European portraiture forever. For 500 years, the world has been fascinated and intrigued with the smile of the Mona Lisa, unquestionably the most famous portrait of all time. Perhaps she is the source of the saying, “Keep smiling - it makes people wonder what you've been up to.”

There are countless sayings inspired by a smile. Here are but a few.

The world always looks brighter from behind a smile. ~Author Unknown

Everyone smiles in the same language. ~Author Unknown

People seldom notice old clothes if you wear a big smile. ~Lee Mildon

Before you put on a frown, make absolutely sure there are no smiles available. ~Jim Beggs

Wrinkles should merely indicate where smiles have been. ~Mark Twain, Following the Equator

I've never seen a smiling face that was not beautiful. ~Author Unknown

A laugh is a smile that bursts. ~Mary H. Waldrip

Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing. ~Mother Teresa

A smile is a powerful weapon; you can even break ice with it. ~Author Unknown

Peace begins with a smile. ~Mother Teresa

Keep smiling; it reassures your friends and confuses your enemies. ~Author Unknown

A smile is like a virus; it infects everyone. ~Me

By now, I hope this small post has helped bring a smile to your face today. If so, why not smile a lot? Can you think of an easier way to contribute to the cause of peace? In fact, may your smile "go viral" today, and infect all those around you. In fact, while we're at it, why not create a smile epidemic? After all, there is no known cure!

May you know you are blessed today, and smile! :)

Posted by Carman

Chile

I am writing this post on Thursday, so it will probably be old news by the time you read it, but I still think it is worth a comment or two.

This morning, as yesterday morning, the news is all about the successful rescue of the 33 Chilean miners trapped underground for the past 69 days. In fact, yesterday I don’t think there was any other news! Even the Commonwealth games hardly got a passing mention on the Canadian news channels, and that is highly unusual. Today the rescue is the lead story, but the closing ceremony of the games will also be covered at least, and there will be some handwringing over the fact that Canada only came away with 75 medals. I guess things are returning to normal (sigh).

But it is amazing and wonderful to have such a good news story so fully occupy the attention of broadcast journalists and news anchors, not just here but around the world. It is really quite refreshing. It is lovely to see Chileans proudly waving their flags, and celebrating this successful rescue. Little wonder they are so excited; after all, the entire world is watching. Most of the world probably didn’t know where Chile is, let alone know anything about this remarkable country.

The rescue has given the people of Chile much to feel good about, and clearly they do. Of course they have much to be proud of anyway, but the rescue has given them a reason to hold a wonderful celebration, which I heard described as the “World’s biggest street party.” As the balloons rise, the champagne corks pop, and the streamers fly, our hearts celebrate with the people of Chile. Our congratulations, prayers of gratitude and good wishes join with theirs. Well done! Chile is definitely the good word of the day.

So party on Chile; you deserve it, and may the joy you feel this day last a long long time!
,
Posted by Carman

Seeds

That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the sea. Such great crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat there, while the whole crowd stood on the beach. And he told them many things in parables, saying: "Listen! A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seeds fell on the path, and the birds came and ate them up. Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and they sprang up quickly, since they had no depth of soil. But when the sun rose, they were scorched; and since they had no root, they withered away. Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. Other seeds fell on good soil and brought forth grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.
Let anyone with ears listen!" - Matthew 13:1-9

Jesus loved to teach using metaphors, which is why we remember his stories so well. They stay with us, and surface in our memories when we least expect them. We ponder them and perhaps even think about what they might mean in our lives. “Let anyone with ears listen!” Indeed!

The story of the sower (above) surfaced for me as I was out for my walk one morning last week. What is it that the sower sows? What is the seed that the sower distributes freely on the ground? The reason for your hope? Good cheer? A friendly greeting? A bit of happiness and optimism with which to start the day? It could be anything, couldn’t it? It could be any gift you have to share.

What do I have to share? Joy? Hope? Love? Peace? Good cheer? A friendly greeting? A bit of happiness and optimism with which to start the day? Perhaps it is time to scatter a few seeds.

I see a certain farmer getting into his tractor; he always seems to be so grumpy. I wave and call “Good morning.” He knows I saw him, so waves back but turns away. Hmmm…not very fertile ground there it seems. I walk on.

Soon I see another man sitting on his front porch. “Good morning,” I say. “Nice morning.” He appears to think that over since it is already hot, but then says, “Yes, but I’m hoping for a little rain.” I think he probably needs it.

Soon I am met by a lady walking her dog. Usually I am wary of dogs on the street, but this one looks friendly, and besides, I want to try out my seeds. “Good morning,” I say. “Out for a walk with your beautiful dog!” “Oh thank you,” she replies. “She is, but she is very friendly and just wants to be loved.” I stop to pat the dog and talk to her for a moment. The lady smiles appreciatively and then moves on, but both she and the dog seem to have a happy smile. Perhaps my seeds have finally found fertile ground.

As we go throughout our day, lets look for chances to plant some good seeds today, okay?

Posted by Carman