Just Smile and Wave

Have you ever watched the cartoon called Madagascar? It is a older kids’ movie that talks about a group of animals that have spent all their life in a New York Zoo end up in the jungles of Madagascar and must adjust to living in the wild. They faced much adversity and many challenges while on their adventure but one thing I remember the most is the penguin that said, “Just smile and wave boys, just smile and wave”.

The reason that I like that part of the cartoon is, because it reminds me that we have to just smile and wave sometimes. Regardless of the situation or circumstance that we find ourselves in we must remember that if we trust in God and lean not to our own understanding that we will be able with stand whatever comes our way. Ephesians 6:1314 declares, “ Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Smile and wave.

The best attitude is to just smile at the situation and accept that it’s what we have before us. That’s not to say we sit back and do nothing. But rather, we control ourselves, assess the situation, and look for what positive steps we can make going forward.

A recent study that I read concluded that smiling can be good for your health. Research shows that smiling slows down the heart and reduces stress.

But smiling isn’t just good for you; a genuine smile blesses those on the receiving end as well. Without saying a word, it can tell others that you like them and that you are pleased with them. A smile can hug someone with love without giving them even the slightest touch.

Life does not always give us a reason to smile. But when we see a heartfelt smile on a child’s face or through aged wrinkles, our hearts are encouraged. Smiles are also a hint of the image of God in us. In the ancient blessing recorded in the book of Numbers we get an indication that God “smiles”: “The Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace” (Num. 6:25 26). Those words are a Hebrew idiom for the favor of God on a person’s life, asking God to smile on His children.

So today, remember that you are loved by God, and that He is pleased to be gracious to you and to shine His face upon you. So, smile and wave at someone today and let them know that they are loved and that they matter to you and God.

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