Seeing my wife smile

Pray

After not having been a regular church goer for most of my adult life, about 5 years ago, a dear friend invited me to a Christain men’s boot camp. This experience reintroduced me to God. Since then, I have become a regular Catholic church goer .

About 2 months ago I was drawn to going to 630am mass everyday during the week. I do so as a means of giving thanks and praying for on a daily basis the strength to be loving and kind regardless of whatever challenges I face.

I feel embraced with an indescribable level of kindness during Catholic mass when you exchange “Peace be with you” statements and sentiments with perfect strangers. It never ceases to amaze me how much joy I feel from this simple interaction. Truly a blessing!

I know for sure that love matters most

I can “say” thank you by focusing on others’ well-being and expressing loving-kindness in my thoughts, communication and actions

Just happened a few minutes ago. I made a stranger smile by making a small joke. Her smile lit me up. What amazes me is that that there can be so much joy in such a simple exchange.

A couple of ideas come to mind. The first one is that smiles are free. Giving a smile and savoring a smile returned always lifts my spirits. The second is to make it a point to give thanks for blessings one might take for granted like good health, a car that works, or a morning cup of coffee.

I show respect for others by being present when I interact and showing interest in them. Give love, get love.

I just signed up. I’ll add beauty to life today by imagining perfect strangers as fathers, mothers, sons, daughters, aunts, uncles, or teachers caring for and celebrating a joyous event with loved ones.