A young boy wanted to meet God. He knew it was a long trip to where God lived, so he packed his suitcase with Twinkies and a six-pack of root beer, and he started his journey.
When he had gone about three blocks, he met an old man, who was sitting in the park just staring at some pigeons. The boy sat down next to him and opened his suitcase.
He was about to take a drink from his root beer when he noticed that the old man looked hungry, so he offered him a Twinkie. The man gratefully accepted it and smiled at him. His smile was so pleasant that the boy wanted to see it again; so, he offered him a root beer.
Again, he smiled at him. The boy was delighted! They sat there that afternoon eating and smiling, but they never said a word. As it grew dusk, the boy realized how tired he was and he got up to leave; but, before he had gone more than a few steps, he turned around, ran back to the old man, and gave him a hug. He gave him his biggest smile ever.
When the boy opened the door to his own house a short time later, his mother was surprised by the look of joy on his face.
She asked him, "What did you do today that made you so happy?
"He replied, "I had lunch with God." But before his mother could respond, he added, "You know what? He's got the most wonderful smile I've ever seen!”
Meanwhile, the old man, also radiant with joy, returned to his home. His son was stunned by the look of peace on his face, and he asked, "Dad, what did you do today that made you so happy?”
He replied, "I ate Twinkies in the park with God."
Before his son responded, he added, "You know, he's much younger than I expected.”
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~ The Value of a Smile ~ “It costs nothing, but creates much. It enriches those who receive it, without impoverishing those who give it. It happens in a flash, and the memory of it sometimes lasts forever. None are so rich that they can get along without it, and none so poor but are richer for its benefits. It creates happiness in the home, fosters good will in business, and is the countersign of friends. It is rest to the weary, daylight to the discouraged, sunshine to the sad, and nature’s best antidote for trouble. Yet it cannot be bought, begged, borrowed, or stolen, for it is no earthly good until it is given away.” (Anonymous)
Too often we underestimate the power of a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring.
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A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. Proverbs 17:22 ESV
A cheerful look brings joy to the heart; good news makes for good health. Proverbs 15:30 NLT
May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. Numbers 6:25 NLT
Let us always meet each other with a smile, for the smile is the beginning of love.” - Mother Teresa
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If you liked this story and would like a copy of either of my books,
they are available on Amazon in both paperback and Kindle format:
If you have a story or testimony that you think might bless others,
I invite you to send it by email to me (Kenneth Kersey) at godsotherways@me.com.
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