A Smile Says More Than We Know

I was walking through Aldi, minding my own business admiring all the cheeses (I’m a cheese lover), when I felt eyes staring at me. I wasn’t sure if I should look up, but I chose to and I’m so glad I did. My eyes met a middle-aged lady’s, as if she was trying to get my attention. She proceeded to stop pushing her shopping cart, looked me in the eyes and gave me the biggest smile.

At first I wasn’t sure what it was about and almost felt as if I should strike up a conversation with her because it was just that blatantly obvious that something caused her to pause. Then it dawned on me, I was walking around with a bald head. It was clear that this haircut wasn’t a choice, but was the cause of some medical condition.

This has happened on several occasions and it always takes me a hot second to remember that I do look a bit different. But what I’ve noticed, is that even though others may see what’s wrong and it takes them aback, on the other end, I feel what’s right. That this is what God has for me in this place and space in life. Since losing my hair and even while wearing my “cancer” hats, I can’t say that I’ve ever had this many smiles and hellos. But the thing is, if I see someone with a “cancer” hat on or a bald head, it makes me do a double take too. This just reminds me of the beauty of those around us and the beauty of the world we live in.

God has reminded me time and time again, that there is beauty all around us. His creation wows us from corner to corner. But just as beautiful, and even more beautiful, are the people he has made – he thought so too. As much darkness, negativity, and judgement that are in our world, I can honestly say I have never once felt judged or been given a negative look. Yep, I probably cause some double takes because I don’t look “normal”, but people have been beyond encouraging and generous with their looks, smiles, hellos, and good mornings.

And this makes me think about how I “see” people. How do I walk through the aisles of a store? Just minding my own business? Ignoring every person that walks by? Not wanting to make eye contact? Like I’ve said before in other posts, we have no idea what the people in our path may be walking with. The “scars” of what I’ve been through recently are very evident through my lack of hair. But most often, we don’t have a clue, the scars others are carrying with them. What if you and I said hello to that person going the other way in the aisle? What if you and I made eye contact with that person turning in front of you on the road and shot them a smile? What if that hello or smile made their day or reminded them that despite their scars, they are seen, loved, and noticed?

You can be a difference-maker. You don’t have to have the latest and greatest stuff. You don’t have to have the highest paying job. You don’t have to have the most likes, comments, or followers. All you need to do is just let the love God has shown you, spill out into your daily life. Let God’s faithfulness overflow from your heart, mind, words, and body. You never know the difference it will make.