The Smiling Buisness

  In the August 2015 issue of the New Era- a Mormon youth magazine that I read- there was one particular story that I loved. It's a challenge called "Make ten people smile today!"  "Ten smiles. Twenty-four hours. Are you ready to take the challenge?" Then there were stories by teens who had taken the challenge. One particular girl's story was especially interesting.

   "I'd like to consider myself a professional in the smiling business. I know what it takes to make people smile. It didn't take much to make my basketball teammate smile when I yelled, 'You got it, Marty!' from across the gym. I t took a bit more to make one of the customers I was working with at my grocery store smile after they told me they were having a bad day. But talking with them a bit and joking about the cold weather quickly set those eyes sparkling. I think most people are searching for a reason to smile. Sometimes, though, in this tricky world, it's a bit difficult to find a reason for a moment of happiness. Isn't it wonderful that we get an opportunity to be the reason to smile? I think it is. Even if I'm not an artist or a child prodigy; even if I'm not written about in history books; and even if no one else remembers me but the little girl who was so excited because I like the color of her shirt, I still have my smile. And I'm more than happy to pass it on. Why don't you do the same?"                  Allie V., Nebraska, USA

  I think what struck me the most here was the part where she says "Even if I'm not an artist or a child prodigy;even if I'm not written about in history books...I still have my smile." We don't have to be talented by the world's definition of talent. Our skills are not limited to us being a good painter, soccer player, or anything else like that. We have simpler talents that can affect people in much more profound ways.
  Personally I am not always the best student. I have several crossed wires in my brain and I'm not always very diligent. I may be horrible at math and taking notes, but I have a talent for having empathy. I know how to understand a person and help them based on that. This may not be seen as a real skill but these are essentials to us being friends, siblings, children, parents, or leaders.
I love the idea of being remembered in this way. Being remembered for being kind rather than all of my accomplishments. If it serves others, what is a better way to be remembered?