October 17 2017 – Click here to listen
I am constantly amazed at people who are so unfriendly. I generally ride 5-10 miles per day on a bicycle and pass pretty much the same people every day. I wave at everyone and say, “Good Morning”, but the vast majority simply give me a cold stare and don’t wave back. The same people day after day do this.
I used to hunt with a friend in rural Georgia and as we drove along he waved at virtually everyone who passed and invariably they smiled and waved back. He was so used to throwing up his hand and waving that one time he instinctively waved at a cow standing close to the road. (True story) – That made me smile for sure . . .
I’ve traveled the United States for decades and can tell you people in the south are far friendlier than those in the north. I have no idea why, but it is a fact. Out west people seem to be friendlier, but not nearly as friendly as the ones down south. What is it about people in the south being friendly? Wish I knew and wish it would spread.
I was the first person on a plane in first class one day and decided to run an experiment. As people boarded I would broadly smile and nod my head. Invariably no matter how sour the expression on their faces, they would light up when they saw me smile at them and nod right back at me. After doing this with about 10 people, I would frown and glare at the next 10 people and they winced at my cold hard stare and frowned right back.
Civility is disappearing in this country. I went in a diner in NYC and was looking at the menu posted on the wall. The guy taking orders shouted at me, “Either place your damn order or get the hell outta here!” That elicited a response from me that is truly unfit to print here.
So much hatred.
I should have just smiled at him and told him to chill. It would be very difficult to chill in the place I told him to go, and that was just for starters. Need to repent for that one I tell you.
Try smiling at people and then frown at a few yourself, and when convinced that smiling is the ticket to making others smile and for both of you to feel good, then keep smiling. Here are five benefits I found online:
- Relieves stress
- Lowers blood pressure
- Puts us in a better mood especially on bad days.
- Reduces depression
- It is contagious
God wants all of us to be happy and treat others the way we would like to be treated. Bless someone with your gorgeous smile today. Start with your cranky spouse. Remember God designed us and every law He has given has been ordained in order to allow us to live a more happy and fruitful existence. If only we would trust and obey for there is no other way.
Proverbs 15:30
A cheerful look brings joy to the heart; good news makes for good health.