A SMILE OF LOVE

A SMILE OF LOVE   Baba said, "If you always tolerate such things, you will certainly be happy" in Sri Sai Satcharitra, chapter xviii & xvix.   It had been one of those mornings when nothing had gone right. There was no big problem, just little, picky things, but still irritating.   I hadn't realized though, how my attitude was affecting my family, until four year old Susan approached me, "Mommies," she began, grabbing my arm, "I don't like it when you frown."   I stopped sweeping and looked down at her. Never had I seen her look so intense, so serious. I felt a smile tugging at the corners of my mouth as I pulled her close. And then we were laughing, and oh, the beautiful release. Later as Susan ran off to play, I wonder why I let things get me down. I had so much to be thankful for. I thought of the rose, and how some people don't like roses because of the thorns. My life had been like that lately. I'd been so busy dwelling on the thorns. I hadn't taken time to consider the sweet fragrance, delicate petals, the vivid colour. There were so few thorns in my life, compared to the real beauty. How could I have forgotten that?   Now when I find I am troubled, I put a smile on my face. Funny how a smile can change your frame of mind. A frown is sign of despair, but a smile is love!         (East and West Series, May, 2004)

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