What does your body language say about how you feel? If what Christ has done for you truly makes you happy, what sort of outward expression is that supposed to look like on any given day? I believe it can come in many forms. But for today’s example, just a simple smile on your face should suffice.
On this particular morning, I was up before the sun. My sourdough loaf was now proofing on the countertop, I had Scripture fresh on my mind from the morning’s read, and I was enjoying the quiet morning as I prepared for my day.
I wasn’t just happy, I was joyful!
Come 7:00, my little boy walked into the kitchen with an grumbling tummy ready to be filled. But instead of focusing on how hungry he was, he looked at me with a curious brow and asked, “Mommy, are you happy this morning?”
Of all the mornings he could’ve asked me, he had chosen the correct one.
“I am happy!” I exclaimed.
I explained why God had given me so much joy that morning, and that breakfast would be ready soon.
My sweet little boy looked back at me with a disagreed look and said, “Mommy, you’re not happy.” He then made his way to a photo on our wall taken of me and the kids on our porch swing.
He pointed to my face on the photo…
“That’s a happy face. You don’t have a happy face right now.”
I didn’t know whether to laugh or to be offended!
I just told him I was happy, but did I communicate that feeling with my face?
Did I even give him a smile?
Proverbs 15:13 starts by saying, “A glad heart makes a cheerful face…”
I thought my heart was glad, but maybe I needed some practice reflecting those emotions in my own home. I know I tend to get into task mode when getting things done around the house, but do I need to begin consciously smiling to reassure my children that I really am happy?
It seems as though my resting body language needs some updating.
If you know Christ personally, it shouldn’t be difficult for someone else can see that joy in you.
Romans 15:13 says “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”
This honestly sounds like someone who not only believes in the hope they have in Christ, but looks like someone in whom the Holy Spirit is actively working.
I challenge you to look in the mirror and ask yourself, “Do I look like someone who has the joy of the Lord?”
Maybe next time my son asks me if I’m happy, he’ll believe the words coming out of my mouth.
Maybe I should start keeping a compact mirror on the counter to check my face every once in a while.
This was such a wonderful short devotional thought for me today. I know I don’t always have a smile on my face because I don’t allow myself to place my burdens onto the shoulders of my savior, Jesus Christ. Your reminder is so good! I will put a sticker on my mirror in the bathroom that says, “Am I happy today? Put a smile on your face!” Thank you, Jessca, for this beautiful insight. I love you! Peggy.
How forgetful we can be to give our burden to Jesus! Thank YOU for that insight.