Smile God loves You

Like many, I live to read the blogs that I find each day with varied subjects. Today, I happened upon the 10th rule of St. Benedict. It reminded me of the class we had last evening, where Diana and her husband Rich disclosed that they had attended a "marriage encounter course." One which teaches couples to exchange, their written feelings and thoughts. This is important because we are all individuals and have different ways of looking at things. Unless a discussion occurs, we may misread something someone has said, putting our own perspective on the subject, incorrectly. St. Benedict, in the setting he may have been in, certainly would not call for laughter, or any loudness or rudeness. My thoughts agreeably, would be that a charming person would never laugh out loud, but would show some teeth. I have been blessed with a sense of humor. There are times when I would want to belt out laughter, and roar over some stupid thing someone else has done, but restrain my self, thinking it to be unchristian like--and, a sort of degrading response to the other. God, I think, must have a wonderful smile and personality that matches His goodness. The first thing that anyone does, who approaches someone to help or greet, usually is wearing a smile. Especially, babies and children. It immediately answers their concern of your disposition. Have you ever tried to greet someone with a frown? I think it is always wise to put things in perspective. A smile usually indicates a person to be receptive, loving, friendly and caring. Laughter is something quite different. Somewhere, in my memory, I hear the laughter of children on a swing or, from watching a bubble go up into the sky, seeing fireworks on the 4th of July, a beautifully decorated birthday cake, Christmas morning, Pascha and egg finding. Or, excitedly passing the baton to another in a relay race and many other moments, like getting a piggy back ride from daddy. If you've been around children then you know there is such a thing a holy laughter, one of the best gifts that our Creator has given to us. It comes from the joy that we feel. Feelings are not wrong--they just are. Laughter is an essential part of our makeup. The book we have been sharing, For the Life of the World, fifth chapter "The Mystery of Love," talked about an elderly couple on a bench. They, in their many years together, created a small kingdom of love, having become King and Queen to each other, in their own little world. The author, speaking about an old and poor couple said the following: "They were sitting hand in hand, in silence, enjoying the pale light, the last warmth of the season. In silence: all words had been said, all passion exhausted, all storms at peace. The whole life was behind--yet all of it was now present, in this silence, in this light, in this warmth, in the silent unity of hands. Present--and ready for eternity, ripe for joy. " This is (Alexander Schmemann's) vision of marriage, of its heavenly beauty. The mystery of a working marriage is faith, work and love. To get to a stage where you do not need to say anything---cause you just know, and understand what the other is feeling, having taken a lifetime to find out--to love someone deeply regardless of the many imperfections, because you no longer see them, or they have become insignificant. And, yes, knowing that love is the treasure that you will keep for all eternity, present and shared together. The stones in the crowns placed on your head, during the wedding service, have become diamonds in polished gold, in it's fulfillment. Your love together, and the love of Christ, have transformed the world. Together, as you look upon each another, there is a smile, and a joy which springs eternal. Love is a gift. My mom and I used to sing this song when I was a child, maybe you remember it... Smile though your heart is aching... Smile even though it's breaking... when there are clouds in the sky you'll get by... If you smile through your fears and sorrow... smile and maybe tomorrow... you'll see the sun come shinning through for you... if you just smile. Life is not easy, but we are reminded that we are never alone. Smile, God loves you... So come on, show those pearly whites, and put on a happy face.