My wife has a friend in Wales, Sheila by name, and when we lived there they used to go out walking together. Sheila would often squeeze Diane's arm as strangers approached and say 'let's see if we can get one back!'. With that, they would both smile at the passer by and very often were met with indifference, but sometimes got rewarded in return! It's not just a virus that can be infectious - so can a kindly smile!
Despite there being drastic differences between human cultures and the way we express ourselves, psychologists have discovered that facial expressions have a degree of universality that transcends time and place. There are thousands of ways of moving the muscles in our faces to express and reinforce one of the six basic emotions: anger, disgust, enjoyment, fear, sadness, and surprise.
And the most powerful and profound facial expression of them all? The smile.
Smiling is universally considered to be a way we display joy. It can communicate our internal world to people on the outside, and it can be a welcoming sign to new people. It speaks of security and well-being, and disarms the stranger with a hint of approach-ability and welcome.
So, if the face-mask is hiding this basic tool of communication and warmth, even in part, how can we replace or supplement it? Well, I suppose one way would be to look for opportunities to do random acts of kindness. To serve in humble ways, and in honour preferring others. Our social media posts should reflect our smile, not our scowl. Our words should be well-chosen to sift out negativity, gossip and grumbling. I read this in the newsletter of some missionary friends this week:
"I choose to turn from complaint, from seeing all that is wrong and lacking, and to acknowledge - even more, Oh Spirit of God, to celebrate - how you are at work in our work, in our church, in our lives (taken from Teach us to Pray by Gordon Smith)".
For God's sake - smile more please! And for your own sake too. It can make all the difference.
