Opening the mailbox, I immediately spotted the card lying on top of the bills and circulars. Unexpected, it filled me with a disproportionate sense of dread. The post card from the DMV reminded me, it is time for me to renew my driver’s license.
THE PHOTO
I know it is pathetic, but I don’t want to do it. The prednisone puffiness in my face is fading, but I prefer my old driver’s license photo. It’s not really a bad picture. I am smiling and my face is thinner. Vanity? Maybe, but I forget how much my face has changed until I look in the mirror.
Psalm 94:11, “Jehovah knoweth the thoughts of man, that they are vanity.” ASV
I CAN’T SMILE
Before you get upset, let me explain. It is not physically possible for the corners of my mouth to turn up. Myasthenia gravis (MG) causes a snarl instead of a smile. I think it is permanent and I hate it. I laugh a lot and smile often, but it looks different. I miss my smile as much as I miss the feel of wind in my hair or the softness of a newborn’s feet.
Proverbs 31:25, “Strength and honor are her clothing, and she can laugh at the time to come.” HCSB
SOMETIMES IT’S THE LITTLE THINGS
Have you ever been singing in church and someone turned around and said, “You should be in the choir.”? Yeah, well that has never happened to me. I cannot carry a tune. Nevertheless I enjoy singing, especially in church. Sometimes I don’t have enough breath, but that is okay, I am content to listen. What I really miss though is not being able to hold the Wooooo when calling the hogs. It’s a razorback thing, ya’ll. Even if I had the breath, I can’t hold my arms up.
Psalm 66:1, “Make a joyful noise unto God” KJV
WHO MISSES YOUR SMILE?
I miss my smile. Does someone miss yours? Mine was taken by MG. Has yours been stolen by grief, heartache, bitterness or depression? Someone misses your smile. Someone needs to see you smile. Maybe it is your children, even if they are grown, or your spouse. Maybe even a stranger needs a smile.
Job 29:24, “When I smiled at them, they could hardly believe it; their faces lit up, their troubles took wing!” MSG
KEEP SMILING
There is no cure for MG, but it is treatable. And I promise I am smiling even if you can’t tell by my face. If you have lost your smile, ask God to give you joy. Count your blessings, I promise it helps. Simply practice smiling, it looks better than snarling.
I miss my smile. Who misses yours? #IhaveheardofMG
— Vickie Henderson (@VickiePetzH) June 12, 2015
Numbers 6:26, “The Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” NIV
When is the last time you smiled? How about starting today…
I’ve never noticed this about you. I think it’s because you smile with your eyes – we all do! Your joy is clear. Great lesson, though. I wear my emotions on my face, unintentionally, and I need you remember to intentionally smile more, to bless others! Thank you!
It is subtle, but characteristic of MG. I know most wouldn’t notice, but it just is an unpleasant reminder at times- especially picture time