It happened to me again the other day. I was shopping for groceries in a local store getting stocked up for the next Winter storm that was coming. Apparently everyone else had that idea as well, because the store was far more crowded than usual. Every aisle I pushed my shopping cart down was an obstacle course full of carts and people. I said, “excuse me” over and over as I zig zagged through them throwing oatmeal, cereal, rice, milk, and dozens of other things in my cart. Each time I passed another person, though, instead of a stressful or annoyed look I was blessed with the warmest of smiles. I couldn’t figure out why this was happening until I pushed my cart by a woman with mirrored sunglasses and saw my own smile reflecting in them. I had been sharing smiles again without even knowing it.

In all the years of my life here in this world I have never seen an ugly smile. Every genuine smile seems to throw open the windows of our souls and allow our light and love to shine through. A good smile isn’t just showing the teeth either. It travels up the face like a wave of joy, lifting our cheeks, raising our eyebrows, softening our expression, and making our eyes sparkle. It is priceless and yet doesn’t cost us anything to share. It warms our hearts, lightens our loads, and strengthens our souls. A good smile is contagious too. The more you pass it on, the more you get it back whether you are aware of it or not. A good smile is eternal as well. Every single smile you share here on Earth will follow you to Heaven.

May all of your days be full of smiles. May you give them freely, openly, and happily expecting nothing in return. May you use them to brighten another’s day and find your own brightened as well. May your smiles share your love, your light, and your soul with everyone you meet and allow God’s love and light to live through you always.

Joseph J. Mazzella