2011-12-24

Dear Smile:

I wish there was some way to fully describe how very much appreciated you are. You are an ongoing inspiration to the soul, a thrill to the heart, and an internal calm to the mind. When you exist, the world just seems... better.

It is true that the joy in seeing you also means relief at not seeing your cousins Pout and Frown. Pout may be cute at times, but Pout implies an expectation of disappointment. Therefore, Pout makes others sad, as it is always heartbreaking to know that someone is expecting disappointment. Frown is disappointment proven (implemented and documented), so much so that it starts a seemingly infinite cycle of regrets and lost opportunities.

Consider, for example, the lessons from Faida Hamdi. A year ago, within the bounds of her duties as a Sidi Bouzid, Tunisia municipal official, there were a number of ways she could have reacted to Mohamed Bouazizi (even without involving Deuteronomy 30:19). She chose to frown, thereby setting in motion a series of events that soon resulted in the death of Mr. Bouazizi. While the subsequent months started fundamental, long-awaited changes in North Africa and the Middle East, one wonders what joy might have spread throughout had Ms. Hamdi instead smiled and offered a helping hand.

Your radiance is a tiny peek into what Heaven beholds in every moment: kindness for those in need, love for those in despair, appreciation for quiet dedication, and an enthusiasm for all. If God's Happiness is manifest by the singing of Angels, you are His tuneful hum. I always feel privileged whenever I get to glimpse your graceful notes, and my heart soars whenever I am so fortunate to hear your gentle wisps of Joy being shared.

Sincerely Yours,



Vernon R.J. Schmid


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Your comments, suggestions, questions, or concerns would be very much appreciated. Please direct them to: vschmid@telus.net.

Copyright ©2011 Vernon R.J. Schmid.  All rights reserved.
Created: 2011-12-24.

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