I remember a day when I was rushing back to work after my lunch break. I had a lot on my mind as I approached a 4-way stop. Everyone was waiting their turn as I sighed impatiently. I started to creep ahead as I noticed the car who was turning left across from me hit their breaks. I was in the wrong but it was too late to turn back. I waved with apology expecting a harsh look in return. The woman surprising smiled from ear to ear, nodding with approval. I felt the burden of my mistake quickly lifted. That woman doesn’t know how much she impacted my day, reminding me not to sweat the small stuff and to focus on the blessings. She did more with that simple smile than I could have received from an hour-long seminar on positive thinking. She showed me grace.

We never know what someone else is going through on a daily basis. A smile can go a long way. Try responding with grace the next time someone offends you.  The cashier who appears to be moody and is moving a bit too slow may have underlying pains that you couldn’t even imagine. You can make a big difference just by remaining patient and sharing a kind smile. It doesn’t take much effort to be a blessing in someone else’s life. Shine your light in the darkness and it will reflect on others around you. You have the power to change the world, one smile at a time.

-Kelly Lynn Gibson