Many of you are familiar with the children’s gospel song, “This Little Light of Mine.” Don’t you try to blow it out, cause all around the neighborhood, I’m going to let it shine. As a child I took these verses to heart and discovered one way to let God’s light shine was to smile. Whenever an adult took the time to interact, I sent up a big smile and was rewarded with a returning smile. We beamed God’s light on one another.

That light can shine through a smile, a kind word, an encouraging phone call, a card, or a visit. Now that I am older, I even strive to be aware of my “resting” face. In place of looking tired, or sad, or disapproving, I try for a hint of a smile instead.

We never outgrow God’s call to reflect the light that Jesus

offers to an increasingly dark and weary world.