A study 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. Smile can
hug someone without giving them even the slightest touch.
Life does not always give us a reason to smile.
But when we see a heartfelt smile through aged wrinkles, our hearts are
encouraged
Smiles are also a hint of the image of God in
us. This week’s Torah portion Naso contains the priestly benediction and we can
get an indication that God “smiles” when He blesses us. “May YHVH bless
you and watch over you. May YHVH shine His face toward you and favor you. May
YHVH lift up His face toward you and grant you shalom.” (Numbers 6:25-26,
Everett Fox translation) Those words are a Hebrew idiom for the favor of God in
a person’s life, asking God to smile on His children.
Every day in the repetition of the morning and
afternoon Amidah, the leader recites out loud the priestly benediction to
remind us that God smiles upon us. 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.
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