Despite Imperfections

When we think about our actions in comparison to God's, it's definitely easy to lose hope of any possible salvation. I mean let's be honest God is perfect and holy and beautiful.. And us? We're just average daily sinners who fall short of the cross. But that's not where the story ends. Though we may sin, though we may destroy, though we corrupt, because of God's grace and his mercy we are made new and whole. You see, God made us in his image. Yes: you are beautiful and worthy and perfect not because of anything you've done but because of God's image through you. You are- regardless of the sins you commit on a day to day basis. Though we may see ourselves personally as failures, as people who are unworthy of forgiveness, God sees us as his beautiful children and he sees our hearts and our desires. He knows the effort we give to follow him and he knows that sometimes we'll give into sin. None of that changes the fact that we are his sons and daughters of whom he'll never stop pursuing no matter how far we run or how deep we hide. God loves us now. Not who we were, or a future "better" version of us. He loves us as we are- imperfect people perfect because of his love shown through us. There's no need to impress God, because he already knows how valuable and special you are in his kingdom. There's no need to impress people, because God never said to. God never said to impress people, only to love them. So love the people around you and cherish them. God made them just as perfect and beautiful as he made you. Just as much time is given to them as God gives to you. As brothers and sisters in Christ, love and care for each other just as Jesus led by example. All of us are valuable to God, so hold that same worth among each other.

The Power of a Smile

As human beings, our faces say a lot about us. Whether we're aged, tired, worn down. Roughed up, toughened up, or flawed. The emotions and features on a face are stories. Though each is powerful, none is more than that of a smile. 

For years people have argued that smiling is contagious, and I have to admit I agree. Whether you want to or not, there's a special need to smile when you're surrounded by happy people regardless of how upset you may be. People often say "fake it till you make it," with negative connotation, but again they may just be overlooking some truth. Because with each smile, one's mood lightens. Forced at first, that very smile turns genuine and reflects the true emotions behind it. What an amazing thought that something as small as a smile can convey such emotion and depth. 

We smile out of happiness. Out of joy, bliss, excitement. We smile during positive times. Then ironically speaking, why do we so often lack smiles? The Bible shares with us the greatest story of them all, God's one and only son laying down his life for the forgiveness of sins of people in the past, present, and those who have yet to even breathe life. What a story of hope and joy, right? Eternal life, with one who is perfect and holy and flawless and full of love. Where is the negativity in that? Where is the pessimism? If God's truth is a reality, and we believe it to be, we should be optimistic, no? A life full of smiles? Not so much the case. We know God loves us and we often know he has a plan for us, but maybe sometimes we can't see the thought so clearly. Maybe sometimes doubt gets in the way. Maybe pain and suffering or loss fog up the ideal truth God shares with us. But just because there's a little fog, just because the idea is hard to see, doesn't mean it isn't there. God's love and plan for us always exists whether we see it to be true or not. Therefor maybe we need a little redirection every once in a while. Maybe we should focus so greatly on God and His goodness that we have no reason NOT to smile. Because not only do smiles reflect us and our feelings, but they impact others. And I'm willing to bet that the world would be more willing to listen to Christians if it was clear on our faces the wonders of God and His never failing love for us. Live out your faith. Wear it where the world can see it. Smile and be a living example of God's love.