The other day I was standing on the side of a busy street waiting for the traffic to clear long enough for me to open my car’s door and get in. My mind was far away as I thought about the day ahead and all the tasks I had to complete. Even though it was early in the morning I was already feeling weary and burdened with a heavy load. I am a cheerful person by nature, however on this morning; I had allowed myself to be dragged down by the weight of the day. As I stood there, a woman slowed her car and stopped a few yards in front of me. Then, with a long graceful sweep of her arm she graciously motioned for me to pass in front of her. As I looked at her with thanks, her face broke into a friendly grin. This was not just the polite curve of the lips given in passing, but instead, it was a broad, teeth sparkling, eye-twinkling smile. Her entire face lit up and when it did, so did my spirit. When I hopped into my car the thought crossed my mind that I had just seen Jesus in the flash of a smile.

I don’t know where this woman stood in her spiritual walk, but it occurred to me that she was demonstrating love by her simple act of kindness. Her courteousness changed my attitude and I found myself thanking God for her and her one simple deed. And isn’t that what Christ asks us to do -- to let our light shine so that all will praise our Father in heaven?

“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” (Matthew 5:14-16)

It is amazing what God will do through us to encourage others when we are obedient to Him. When we listen to His gentle nudging to reach out to someone else we are being the arms and hands of Christ. No matter what we are doing there is always opportunity to shine for Jesus. While shopping for groceries, God may place someone in front of us who needs help getting something just out of their reach. During our lunch hour at work, a friend may need a listening ear or an overworked mother may need rest so you invite her children to play with yours. And even a welcoming response to our husband as he comes through the door in the evening is an opportunity to let Christ's light shine through us. In all these things we demonstrate God’s love. No matter what we are doing throughout the day, we can reflect the light of Jesus Christ in our actions…even through the flash of a smile.

“And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands for us; 
Yes, establish the work of our hands.” (Psalm 90:17)

Smiling for Jesus,




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22 Comments

  1. What a great reminder of how our attitude (positive & negative) can affect those around us! Thanks Joan!

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  2. To be a shining light to others... Yes, Joan, we are called to let our light shine in every opportunity God graciously gives us. This reminds me of the post I wrote recently and which I linked up here ~ giving of ourselves through writing ("Reflections on Healing Moments' Second Year").


    http://ourhealingmoments.com

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  3. Pamela KuhnOctober 21, 2012

    Someone once said, "We all smile in the same language." It's a perfect way to change someone's day.


    http://ourshelteringtree.blogspot.com

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  4. bluecottonmemoryOctober 21, 2012

    Oh, to receive actions like that along with a sparkling smile - and to give the, too! A timeless message beautifully delivered~!

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  5. Thanks, Laura! I think God loves it when we share His love through our actions -- both large and small! Blessings, Joan

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  6. ...and each day we have an unlimited number of opportunities! What a blessing!

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  7. I love that, "We all smile in the same language"! That is so true -- kindness truly is universal!

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  8. What happened to me that day has encouraged me to share my own smile more often! We may not know what someone is going through, but a simple act of kindness may turn their day around!

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  9. Wendy @ E-1-AOctober 22, 2012

    What a beautiful, encouraging post! Thank you for sharing Joan.

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  10. LOVE THIS!! I said "Awwww" out loud and it made ME smile! Thanks so much, Joan :-)

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  11. Thanks, Wendy! There are so many ways to share God's love. I'm so glad you were encouraged! Blessings, Joan

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  12. "Awww" moments are gifts, aren't they? I'm so glad this post made you smile. I bet that the woman I wrote about didn't have any idea how far her simple act of kindness would travel! Blessings, Sharita! In Him, Joan

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  13. well...it would not be a surprise that your picture caught my eye...but I am glad it did...I love the encouragement here...I think there is power in unspoken actions... when we truly see...and engage with the world around us...Jesus’ Spirit can communicate...even in the busy streets~ blessings as we allow Him to shine through us~

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  14. I love that the simple things we do can bring such glory! A smile, a genuine kind word, or a hug.
    Thank you for hosting the link up. I'm a new follower to your blog and facebook page.
    Blessings,
    Shannon

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  15. Laurie CollettOctober 22, 2012

    What a beautiful reminder to let His light shine through us! And a beautiful photo too! Sunflowers were my grandmother's favorite flower -- they reminded her of the Ukraine where she grew up. Thanks for the great post & for hosting, & God bless!
    Laurie



    http://savedbygracebiblestudy.blogspot.com/

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  16. I love sunflowers! They are always so cheerful... I so agree. When we engage in the world around us, we will see those moments and opportunities to share God's love! Blessings!

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  17. Hi Shannon! Thanks for stopping by! I love how God will use even seemingly little things to shine His light! Blessings, Joan

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  18. Hi Laurie! If we are willing, God's light and love will shine brightly though us! It is a lot simpler than people think...when we connect with Him, we can't help but share that connection through our actions!

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  19. Hi Joan - don't you love those moments? Just changes your day. I'm going to go out there this week and try to be that smile to others. God bless, Tracy

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  20. Hi Joan, I love moments like you experienced. It really does brighten your heart.

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  21. friskychileOctober 24, 2012

    Awesome, and so true Joan! God sends the right people at the right moment when we least expect it to
    encourage and strengthen us. It happens all the time. More often than we realize!! :)

    Blessings sweet lady!
    Denise

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  22. I think we just need to open our eyes to His love that is all around us! Blessings!

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