Today, as I write this on May 31, we celebrate two national holidays. The first is National Save Your Hearing Day. This is a holiday with the focus of protecting your hearing and saving yourself from hearing loss. As Christians, we need to remember to protect our ears from hearing that which is not pleasing to God. This can be reflective of what we hear on TV, a movie, a song, and even language from those around us. As we think about protecting our hearing, let's take it one step further and discuss even the conversations we find ourselves in. We must protect our ears from gossip, an inappropriate joke, or discussions that could hurt another person. Not just today, but each day may we protect ourselves from what we hear, what we take in, and what voices fill our heads. As we pay attention to what we take in, may we also place just as much emphasis on what we are sending out. Today is also National Smile Day. Founded by dentists, this holiday challenges us to share with the world what the power of a healthy smile can do. We go about our day as disciples showing others in the world God's love. I cannot think of a more easier and effective way to do this than with a smile. Smile at those sitting at the stoplight next to you when you are both waiting for the light to turn green. Give a smile to your co-workers as you head into work every day. Make sure you toss a smile to the man or woman who is checking out your groceries at the store. Are you taking a walk in your neighborhood? Give a smile to everyone you pass. A smile is just one step you can take to show the love of God to everyone you meet. It is a step of kindness, invitation, openness, interest, and compassion.
I hope you will guard your ears all while flashing your smile! Let others hear God's love through your beautiful smile.
And when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left, your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”
`Isaiah 30:21