This is Smile Power Day.

OK, let’s say you’re heading for school, and you’re running late. The weather’s gloomy, matching your mood. You almost trip near the door and splatter yourself and your books on the sidewalk. Out of breath, you rush into class and plop into your seat. Expecting the worst, you look up and see your teacher . . . smiling! Now how do you feel?

Smiles say a bunch. They welcome and invite us, letting us in on the fun. They brighten a room. We love seeing smiles from a coach, the principal, our parents, and a friend.

Frowns seem to come more easily, especially when we hear bad news or think about our problems and troubles.

Smiles only come when we’re having fun or focusing on what’s good in our lives. Here’s a short list.

• God created you in his image, loves you, and wants nothing but the best for you.
• God sent Jesus to die on the cross for your sins, so you could live with him forever.
• God has given you life and surrounded you with family, friends, teachers, and others who care about you.
• You can think, talk, see, walk, eat, smell, hear, taste, cry, and laugh (or, at least, most of those).
• You have a great sense of humor.

Think about whose day you can brighten. Be a positive person. Lighten up! Smile! Pass the joy!

Let the words of Christ, in all their richness, live in your hearts and make you wise. Use his words to teach and counsel each other. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. (Colossians 3:16)

To Do

For a couple of hours today, try smiling at each person you see, even total strangers. Watch their reactions. Most will probably smile back!

Also on this day . . .

1775—George Washington was appointed head of the Continental Army by the Second Continental Congress.

1836—Arkansas became the 25^th U.S. state.

From Betsy Schmitt and Dave Veerman, 365 Trivia Twist Devotions: An Almanac of Fun Facts and Spiritual Truth for Every Day of the Year (Cincinnati: Standard, 2005).