It’s not that I live in a bubble, I just like my little corner of the world. Yesterday I felt like I lived in Mayberry. I had lunch with my dear soul sister and the waitress embraced me. As I walked to the corner to pick up a prescription, the barber. No lie, red striped pole and all. When I opened the door for someone, an elderly man in overalls leaned on his cane and rose from his chair in the soda fountain. He looked me in the eye and said, “You’re pretty.” I looked and the floor and politely replied, “Thanks.”
Proverbs 12:25, “Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.”NIV
NO PLACE LIKE HOME
They know me here. Like Cheers, I don’t have to tell them my name and my prescription was ready. As I left, the old man opened the door for me and said, “You’re nice.” Hmmm, nice and pretty judged by an octogenarian, what more could I ask for?
Ephesians 4:32, “Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” NASB
I CAN’T CHANGE THE WORLD
I haven’t been home much lately. Even if I were healthy, the travels were exhausting. The last 6 days were book-ended by views of Lake Michigan and Lake Pontchartrain. I miss Mayberry. I am aware the world is coming apart at the seams, but I like my little corner and I intend to make it a better place. How? By being pretty and nice. My grandmother always said,
Pretty is as pretty does ~ Dink
I miss her too. Being nice makes the world more attractive and it would be a much better place if it were more like the corner of Commerce right beside the barber’s pole. It’s pleasant here where people smile and wave and compliment perfect strangers; where old men hang out and make someone’s day. I don’t know who he is, but he is brightening his corner of the world. And mine. He will probably never read this but he is fulfilling his purpose. And it’s simple, he smiled. It made my day sir.
Ephesians 2:10, “For we are His creation, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time so that we should walk in them.” HCSB
START AT YOUR CORNER
Are you fulfilling your purpose? Are you making the world a better place? Smile at someone today, even if smiling is difficult for you. Tell a complete stranger they are pretty or nice or both. It may not solve the world’s problems but it will make your corner of the world a better place and that is where you live.
I can’t change the world but an old man in overalls changed mine. Let’s start with that.
Make the world a better place – smile.
Proverbs 15:13, “A cheerful heart brings a smile to your face; a sad heart makes it hard to get through the day.” MSG
RESURRECTION OF THE SMILE
I know a man named Jim. Actually, I have never met him, but I feel like I know him. We thought we had the same disease. I considered him my MG (myasthenia gravis) brother. Turns out he has something much worse. He spends his time encouraging others and has made the world better by raising money for kids with cancer. Goodness knows that corner of the world needs brightening.
He tried to start a smile campaign. He says it died. I say we resurrect it. Jim says smiling at strangers helps the smiler as much as the recipient.
I think he’s right.
If you share this, tag Jim. It’s my way of sending him smiles. Invite others to share a smile for Jim too; a man who believes you can make a difference even if you aren’t well-known or rich or young or healthy. All it takes is a smile. Pass it on…
Post edit: Unfortunately, Jim passed away after this was published. Fortunately, I think he’s smiling more than ever!
My sentiments exactly.
You’re smile always makes my day
I know the exact corner you are talking about. I used to work there and your right, it’s just like Mayberry!
I love it!
Loved your post. I agree that we can spread sunshine just with a smile or kind word and I try to do that. I was in my hometown this weekend, which has grown larger than Mayberry, but I received lots of smiles and love. It nourished my spirit. I hope you get home soon and see that old fellow again. I have a feeling encountering your sweet smile made his day.
Keep smiling Dorothy
Well, there was nothing wrong with that old man’s vision! Here’s you a smile, Sweet One! 🙂
Got it. Thanks