I like to smile. My reasons? Too many to count. Ice cream, laughing babies, funny movies, coffee, weddings, time with friends. What makes you smile? Have you asked that of others around you? One lesson I’ve naturally absorbed in my first 29 years is this: Be the reason someone smiles today.

21. Be the Reason Someone Smiles Today.

Look people in the eyes and smile at them. Not in a creepy way, but as a friendly and kind gesture. I dare them to not reciprocate. I’ve done this intentionally (and accidentally) with total strangers in far away lands and it works almost every time.

I don’t know about you, but most of my friendships started with some kind of positive, friendly interaction, including a smile. Mutual interests, laughing over something both of us thought was funny, complementary personalities, etc.

What would you want from your friends? Do they help you see the good in life, even on bad days? Or are they promoters of misery?

Take that evaluation and flip it around. Think about others for at least one minute of your day. How can you make their life more enjoyable? Who knows what hard things they might be experiencing.

Turn on the TV. Scroll through Twitter. There’s enough bad stuff in the cycle. Be the change you want to see. Love God and love your neighbor.

We’re called to be peacemakers, right?

“Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.” (‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭12:14‬ ‭ESV; emphasis added‬)

“Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.” (‭‭Psalms‬ ‭34:14‬ ‭ESV; emphasis added‬‬)

“Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, but those who plan peace have joy.” (‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭12:20‬ ‭ESV‬‬; emphasis added)

“If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” (Romans‬ ‭12:18‬ ‭ESV‬‬; emphasis added)

“Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.” (Romans‬ ‭14:19‬ ‭NIV‬‬)

The first practical steps of peacemaking start with eye contact, a hello, and a smile.

It seems like much of what I’ve written lately (links below) involves aspects of fostering relationships.

• Put that iPhone in Airplane Mode
• Seek Wise Counsel
• Iron Sharpens Iron
• Life Is Short
• Laughter Is the Best Medicine
• Choose Joy
• Be the Friend You Need

How can these things take place if you’re not fully present—eye contact and body language included—and engaged in selfless, non-distracted conversation and interaction?

Will you make a difference? Start with a smile. Make someone’s day. 😊