Tuesday, as I was walking home from class I walked passed a woman who looked distracted and rushed. I smiled at her as I passed. She smiled back and her face transformed. Her eyes shined and I realized that a smile changes everything.
I have been struggling in my life lately, but recently life has been looking up. As I look back on these difficult months the Lord has showed me many tender mercies that have helped me through. Many of them were just smiles and hellos from friends, members of my ward, and strangers.
During this time, I have had the opportunity to attend the Jordan River Temple every Tuesday and Thursday. I have come to love the temple workers I see weekly and am always happy to see their smiling faces. Yesterday, as I entered into the baptistry and greeted the lovely sisters, one asked if she could give me a hug. I said of course! The love they show me weekly is evidence to me that He is ever mindful of me. His hand is always there, we just don't always see it because it is in the form of other people.
There were many small tender mercies, but also some big ones. One being my dear roommate who loves me and listens to the guidance of the Holy Ghost. She has been the greatest asset in my steady increase. He has truly blessed me with her friendship. I know she was placed in my life for a reason and this is one of the many. I strive to have a Christ-centered life such as the one she emulates.
The people who have helped me is inumerable and the majority of them have no idea the scope of their kind words in my life. Just remember, that there is power in a smile. A smile can strike you to the very depths of your soul and uplift and brighten you. Love shines through the smile and gives all a taste of His love for them. And don't we all need to feel His love?
