The last couple of years have taken a toll on humanity. Living through a worldwide pandemic has affected us in many different ways. Aside from the illness that plagued us, we had to bear the emotional side effects that came from having to be apart from our friends and loved ones. I, particularly, came to detest the use of the face mask; not because it was suffocating to wear one constantly, but because it hid our faces. I had taken for granted the feeling of seeing a smile on someone's face. During a time when we all could have used a smile of encouragement and understanding, our face was covered by protective wear. I remember encountering situations of frustration in the store when shelves were depleted or passing a stranger in the parking lot who was struggling with an upset child; wanting to give them a smile of understanding but realizing it was a futile attempt since they couldn't see it anyway.

Then I came across the verse in Proverbs 15 that says, “A cheerful glance brings joy to the heart…”. People couldn’t see my mouth, but they could see my eyes! I would have to make my eyes smile! And so, I began to try and make eye contact with people; a task we usually try to avoid. I noticed that other eyes were ‘smiling’ too! We were so eager for human contact that people started looking at each other again. It’s amazing how those “cheerful glances” made shopping trips so much more enjoyable, even when the store shelves were bare, my heart was full again.

Our Omniscient God, knowing that our smile would at times be hidden from others, saw fit to give us a way to bring joy to others with our glances. Don’t let your face mask stop you from filling others with joy, show them your cheerful eyes!

Suggested Prayer: Dear God, you are so good to allow us to grant joy to others with our smile. We don’t always know what others may be going through, so the fact that my face might bring a little joy to them is just another show of your love and mercy to all mankind. Thank you, Lord! In Jesus’ name, Amen.

1. Proverbs 15:30 (NAB).

Today’s Encounter was written by: Veronica B.