I sit behind the desk at my volunteer station. I do this every week. Many people pass by, but one in particular commands my attention.
It’s a young lady. I’m terrible at guessing how old folks are, but I estimate her to be maybe 30-something. She will walk past two or three times a day. She’s wearing a uniform, so I assume she is an employee. I don’t know her name.
The reason I can’t help but notice her is because of this incredible, bright smile on her face virtually all the time.
Sharing a smile
It’s one of those smiles that just lights up the room. It draws people to her like a magnet. She’s always surrounded by people, engaging with them and sometimes seems to be instructing or training them.
Each time she comes by my area, she flashes that friendly countenance and asks me how I’m doing, how my day is going. She’s the kind of person you instantly like and feel comfortable around. Clearly, everybody else feels the same way.
One day I was chatting with a fellow volunteer as this cheerful lady walked by. Once again we got the warm smile and a friendly greeting from her.
That’s when my co-worker happened to remark about how amazingly well she was holding up. Holding up? From what? “Her husband passed away last weekend,” I was told. It was sudden and unexpected. Some sort of aneurysm or stroke. He was just a young man as well. The funeral had taken place just four days prior.
Inner strength
I was stunned. You would never have known by the way she looked or acted. My heart broke for her, even though I didn’t really know her other than to exchange a little small talk now and then. Weeks have passed. She remains the same delightful person each time I see her.
I don’t know if she’s a Christian, but I can’t imagine having that kind of inner strength without the support of God’s love.
It really brought home to me that looks are often deceiving. There are people around us walking through life feigning happiness and putting on a good front, but inside they may be hurting and dealing with any manner of tragedy and loss, fear and worry. They could use a good friend, a shoulder to lean on and perhaps a prayer warrior.
And especially a friendly smile. One like hers.
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