Daily KIP: Don’t underestimate the power of a SMILE. When you’re out and about today interacting with others, SMILE…..you never know how this simple gesture can impact the life of another. “If someone is too tired to give you a smile, leave one of your own, because no one needs a smile as much as those who have none to give.” ~Unknown
Last week, I had the opportunity to road trip it to Kansas City with my husband, he had a business meeting on Monday so I tagged along. I love traveling with him especially when we drive. We have the best conversations, I read books out loud to him, and of course I sing OUT LOUD to all my favorite downloaded songs at the top of my lungs. I think he likes it, it really do.
We arrived on Sunday, checked into the our hotel on the plaza, walked to Bo Lings, a popular local chinese restaurant, stuffed our faces, then stopped at Chaz on our way back, had coffee and a YUMMY chocolate peanut butter dessert and listened to a band play some cool tunes.
When I woke up on Monday, I had a free day to do what I wanted to do – YIPEE!! I was determined to get outside and go for a run because the day was so beautiful. As I was getting ready I realized that I had lost my ipod holder, the one that goes on my arm when I run, AND I didn’t have a jacket with pockets to hold my room key, a little cash and my cell phone just in case of an emergency. So, I laced up my shoes and set out headed towards the plaza and about 2 hours later after going to several stores, I was FINALLY ready to run. I got a dorky little fanny pack for my “stuff” and a case for my ipod. As I started to run I thought to myself, “Had I just kept it simple, I would’ve been done by now and enjoying the day.”……oh well, off I went.
Jammin’ to my music I couldn’t help but notice the homeless people I passed by………one man under the bridge, the second man sitting on the bench who returned a smile, the third man sleeping on the bench snoring, and the fourth man flying a kite. From a far, I thought he was holding a fishing pole but as I got closer I realized he was looking up. Sure enough, up in the sky I saw his red, white, and blue kite. It was a great day for flying a kite, just the right conditions.
Something inside of me prompted me to stop and talk to this man. Partially because I wanted a break from my run, I was huffing and puffing, and partially because I was taken back to a “simple place” when I saw him flying the kite. The simplicity of life when I was a child, the memories of me flying a kite. Carefree. Adventurous. Free time. This homeless man had a smile on his face and a name, it was Greg. We had a really nice talk. What a joyful man; for someone who had nothing, he sure seemed full! He inspired me.
He let me fly his kite. As I was managing the kite he shared with my that this was his second kite. His last kite ended up in the tree which he pointed out to me, it was still there. He had to save his money to get this new one. He loved the tail of his new kite. I never got a close up look at the tail, but he assured me that he tied everything he owned (like socks, pieces of cloth, etc.) on the tail because he liked to watch it wave in the wind. We must’ve chatted for about 20 minutes and before I put my ear buds back into my ears I thanked him for letting me fly his kite. He in turn thanked me for taking the time to stop and talk with him, he said, “It’s not often when people stop to talk to me.”
One week later, I’m still thinking about Greg and his kite. I’m reminded to keep it simple. Embrace the little things in life that can create memories and bring joy. I’m encouraged to just go for “the run” and not worry about the music, the fanny pack and all the stuff. I’m encouraged to start eliminating distractions and pay attention to opportunities to just take a few minutes and talk to someone like Greg. He appreciated me on Monday, and I appreciated him – I think my kids will appreciate him too when we are flying a kite for the first time this spring……..I’m going to share with them how I was inspired by Greg.
I learn so much from my boys. Being a mother has taught me so much about life and even more about myself. Here’s a little glimpse into some things that I’m learning: How to be more patient, I’m not the only one that can do it, I need to be patient as others are learning. Understanding the feelings that surround unconditional love – nothing that my boys do will keep me from loving them. Forgiveness is for everyone, even me. Give, Give, Give, but don’t lose yourself in the process. Selfishness is something that we are born with, that’s what I think anyway ~ the journey of our life experiences allows us to start seeing the needs of others.
A couple of months ago, I overheard my boys talking. Zane said to Zach, “Zach, would that put a smile on His face?” I can’t remember now exactly what they were doing or talking about, but I tuned in and thought to myself, this is interesting, WHO is Zane talking about? Then I heard Zach respond, “Probably not.” I couldn’t help to ask, “Zane, would it put a smile on who’s face?” He said, “God’s face, mom.” I took a step back and thought, ok – you’re 7 – I’ve never said that before, where did you learn that? I asked them. They said at the same time “school”. YES!! They are learning at school – YIPEE!!
This is the first year that our boys have gone to a private Christian school – each day they start their day with a short chapel service. They sing songs – put on the full armor of God – receive a biblical lesson through other classmates or a teacher – pray and then start their day. I LOVE it!! I frequently go to chapel with them on Thursday mornings and each time I leave there I feel overwhelmed with God’s blessings.
Does it put a smile on God’s face? I love that question. After I overheard my boys talking about it – I decided, hey, that is for ME! That question is one I need to ask myself frequently in EVERY area of my life. So, that’s what I’ve started doing. I know it sounds silly and very elementary, but I’m doing it!!
By asking myself this question, I’m seeing things differently. I’m thinking before I speak. My thoughts are more pure. The actions that I take have meaning – my desire is to put a smile on God’s face!!
I was amazed by the response I got from a friend the other day when I actually spoke this to her through a text message, I know it sounds strange, speaking through a text, but let me share with you what happened. I received a text from a friend basically inviting me into gossip. Her text went something like this……..i ran in2 “jane” she said that “jan” had become a stuck up snot, blah, blah, blah………….My response was this………..what ive heard or any thoughts that I have regarding “jan” would not put a smile on God’s face so I will refrain from that conversation 
……..then I changed the subject in the remainder of my text. The next day when we actually spoke on the phone, she told me that she respected my response and it made her actually think about what she was thinking or saying.
I’m NOT telling this story to pat myself on the back, or put myself on a pedestal ~ BELIEVE ME I know that I screw up all the time and have a lot to work on in my life. I simply wanted to share the concept. Who in this life are we aiming to please? Are we putting a smile on God’s face? Consider asking the question………
Daily KIP: Its BLACK Friday…….brighten someone’s day with your SMILE! Whether your working, shopping, or simply seeing others today focus on smiling at those you make eye contact with – REALLY smile!! How does that make you feel? You WILL impact someone’s day with your smile!! We would love to hear your experience……
