“Come look at the magic flowers!” I hurried to the palm tree bearing the blooming orchids as well as little red flowers decorating the trunk of the tree.
I responded with a wide smile, “Beautiful, but why are they magic?” “Because they’re pretty and they make you smile,” said the little girl with an impish grin.
Studies show smiles help reduce blood pressure, increase endurance, decrease pain and stress, and strengthen the immune system. Children smile an average of 400 times/day and the typical adult 20 times/day.
A definition of magic – “an extraordinary power or influence seemingly from a supernatural source.” Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and gone tomorrow, won’t he more surely care for you? You have so little faith! (NLT: Matthew 6: 28 – 30)
So, I can be preoccupied with unhealthy hurts and cares that cause me to smile less. Or, I can choose to gaze on the beauty of God’s creation, including people, with a health giving and peace making smile. Why? His promise to provide and protect is the currency allowing me to live life healthy and smiling.