Smiling

Job 29:24 – When I smiled at them, they scarcely believed it; the light of my face was precious to them. (NIV)

Several years ago, I was in the city hospital, far from home. My family were far away, too, and those who came to visit could only spare a day, because of travel time.

One day, I heard a nurse ask someone what he was doing on our ward. His young companion answered that they were just looking around. It was only a moment later that a couple of Inuit gentlemen passed my door. The older fellow looked in and waited in the doorway. I smiled at him; he smiled back; and off they went.

Thereafter, at least twice a day, the older fellow came by, stood at the door until I smiled at him, and he would be gone again. The head nurse must have noticed this, because she asked if he was bothering me. I assured her that he wasn't. After all, even while ill, one can usually manage a smile. Sometimes that is a gift we can give a stranger.

Later, when I was up and walking around, I found under the payphone a personal social worker's card in Inuit and English.

Looking back on this, I wonder: Who received the gift?

Inuit are sociable people. He probably noticed that I was in a private room with no visitors and may have given me a smile to encourage me. We never know who the angels are.

Prayer: Lord, we know that You use willing hands and hearts to do Your tasks. We thank You for them and ask that our hearts be mindful of others' needs. In Jesus' name, we ask this. Amen.

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