Hope with a Smile
July 19
By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one
another.
John 13:35
Sally awakened at 4:00 a.m., said a hearty “Good morning, Father” as her
feet hit the floor, and headed for the shower. She dressed and headed for the
kitchen to fix breakfast for herself and Tiger. “Hiya, kiddo,” she greeted the big
cat, stroking his sleek fur.
Eggs cooking, she spooned tuna delight into Tiger’s dish. “Eat it all now!”
she said in mock sternness, then chuckled as Tiger cocked his head at her.
Dishes done, she headed out the door, ready to meet the day. She loved the
short drive to work as it often afforded her a beautiful sunrise or a full moon
hanging in the waning night sky.
Sally volunteered in the day surgery unit of the local hospital.
With a smile on her face and a servant’s heart, she set about putting things
in order. “I love the quiet,” she would say. “When I arrive, there’s no one here
but me. I like that.” Arranging doctors’ charts and nurses’ orders, preparing
each room by making sure everything was ready was Sally’s way of ministering
to the staff.
Those rounds complete, Sally took her station in the lobby, greeting every-
one scheduled for surgery. She took names and met needs, adding quiet words
of encouragement and comfort or a prayer offered from a heart that had felt
their pain and known their fears. Sally was the bright spot in their day; she gave
them hope with a smile.
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A servant’s heart is a precious thing. Out of it flows kindness with compassion
and tenderness through encouragement. It’s born of a deep love for others, a
selfless love like Jesus showed us on Calvary.
Servanthood is this great ability to rid others of their heartache and fear,
rejection and pain, if only for a little while.
Jesus calls those who give of themselves in this way His disciples. And
for good reason. They love with abandon, holding nothing back, lifting others
above the struggles they face. Such an extravagant love makes a remarkable
impact, and it begins with a mind-set that brings hope with a smile.
Prayer
“Help me love like You do, Lord. Use me to brighten
someone else’s day. In Your Name, I pray. Amen.”
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