A smile goes a long way. A smile can change our attitudes toward life and how we relate to others and ourselves. It can be a sign of transformation, hope, and a balm of comfort and peace. Most importantly, it is a sign of love. Smiling is not only a symbol of our interior joy but it can also be a symbol of our willingness to share that joy with others. A smile shows transcendence. Blessed John II defines transcendence as "going outside of self and seeing God as the Creator of the world around us". In a small way, a smile shows our love or caring about others.
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| Leo: "Look at my big brother, he's sooooo kewl!" |
The smile of a child is an expression of innate joy for life, unconditional love and total trust in his/her parents and siblings and in God. The smiles of the two boys above shows their brotherly love for each other and the great happiness they feel in being reunited after a long separation. Nothing can sever their brotherly and family ties to one another!
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| There were never such devoted sisters |
The most beautiful sight is seeing my nieces and nephews enjoying their siblings' company. From the picture we see the strong sisterly bond between Margaret, Therese and Lizzy. Therese and Lizzy adore their big sister Margaret and she, in turn, adores being with them because she misses them when she has been away from home. These young ladies are happy, too, because they have just been having fun at a tea party with their grandmother and Aunt Therese. A girls friendly hosted by Grandmom - what more could you ask for than spending quality time with your grandmom! Hence, a smile can show appreciation.
One of my favorite songs is Smile by Nat King Cole because it speaks to the heart. Life is filled with ups and downs and sometimes the "emotional rollercoasters" of dealing with these highs and lows are often EXHAUSTING! When I look at our society's culture I don't find many things to smile about; yet I put my hope in the hereafter and this gives me a reason to smile. We live in a world filled with selfishness and immorality but those of us who have blessed with the gift of faith have so much more! I have been blessed to be part of the Catholic Church and to have the love and support of a large family.
Here is Nat King Cole singing Smile: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I85ApzR43jU
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