“I Don’t Like His Face”

 

Jesus must have smiled a lot. Not only did adults enjoy being around him, so did children. Adults can be deceived by someone’s temporary display of happiness, however children are drawn to authentic life-giving people. It must have shown on Jesus’ face.

In his book, Lincoln On Leadership, Donald T. Phillips writes, "It is said that Abraham Lincoln, when he was President of the U.S., was advised to include a certain man in his cabinet. When he refused he was asked why he would not accept him. 'I don't like his face', the President replied. 'But the poor man isn't responsible for his face,' responded his advocate. 'Every man over forty is responsible for his face', countered Lincoln."
 

This article in USATODAY shows the power of having a life-giving smile and being optimistic can have on your health.

 "One of the keys to a longer, healthier life for yourself and those around you just might be your smile. In a recent study of more than 6,000 adults over 50, scientists found that those with sunny dispositions had a significantly reduced risk of stroke. Optimistic people tend to make better choices about life in general. Stroke is a leading cause of death in the United States; heart disease is the No. 1 killer, and a growing body of evidence shows staying positive may help prevent that, too, according to researchers at Duke University Medical Center."
 (http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/story/health/story/2011-12-27/Smile-a-lot-it-just-might-save-your-life)

Let your laughter be not only your best medicine but let it also be that of those around you. Hang out with happy people. It’ll rub off on you — plus, those are the friends you can depend on when you’re feeling down.

My Uncle Roscoe (who smiles a lot) is one of those people who has smiled and laughed so much over his lifetime that it has left beautiful permanent creases in his face. He sends a positive message even when he isn't really smiling.

So do yourself a favor

Be Life Giving!

Alex Anderson

(Special thanks to my medical friends for their constructive criticism of this post. You are helping me to become a better writer...and that's Life Giving!)

Permission to re-post.