A Smile Costs Nothing

I stood in the grocery store at the first of the month, with a snowstorm coming, the day before the Super Bowl. I'd picked the absolute worst time to shop. But I determined to make the best of it and enjoy the walk through the aisles.

As I dodged other stuffed carts mirroring my own, I noticed a young boy around five years old. He had huge eyes and messy hair ~ completely adorable. His parents were hurrying along with what seemed to be a new baby sister sleeping in her car seat in the front of the grocery cart.

The little boy absently stepped into my way and the father quickly pulled him back apologizing. I smiled at them trying to reassure him it was no trouble.

I noticed a flash of surprise sweep over his face. It took me off guard. They seemed relieved.

We ran into each other several more times in the small, crowded store and they were eager to connect with me, hungry even. I couldn't help wondering what their story was. Were they new to town? Were they so hungry for connection that a smile had opened their starving souls? Had they struggled to find kindness?

It reminded me how powerful a simple smile can be. It can lighten the heaviness in someone's day. It can make someone feel welcome, special. It's so small ~ so easy to give. It costs nothing but a little effort. 

Let's remember to reach out with this one simple gesture of love.

Does this ring true with you? Has a smile ever shifted your day? I'd love to hear your thoughts.