Smile Search

Thoughts Along the Way©

Elaine Mehn

 The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17

             From the bus window I saw the sign that said Smile Search, a realtor. What a wonderful name for a company that helps people find the place that will bring a smile to their faces. I remember what it felt like when we looked at the house that we bought in the States. I hated the curtains, the walls were dirty and in need of paint, the sellers furniture was too big and made the rooms look small, and one bedroom and bathroom were not finished but this place brought a smile to my face – to all of our faces. We could see the great potential. The house now has new curtains, a deck, fresh paint, clean carpets, finished rooms, freshened landscaping and two cats but most of all it has love. This is a place where people can be themselves and know that they are loved, faults and all.

            God looks at each one of His children and sees our dirty “walls”, our unfinished rooms, our oversized self that shows how small our faith is but He still smiles. He sees our potential because we are His and He made us. He knows who we are in Christ and whose we are. He bought us with a price – the life and death of Jesus. Jesus left heaven to become a man which was a high enough price to pay, but He went even further. He lived a perfect life even though He faced all of the temptations that Satan could throw at Him. After all of that, He then gave His very life that we might have life. He allowed God the Father to put the sins of the entire world on His innocent and dying shoulders that we might be forgiven. Through the agony and pain of death and separation, through the tears I can just see the smile of the Father. Not only was Jesus obedient even to death but He bought many sons and daughters. Because of Jesus we can bring a smile to the Father who loves us so very much!

When God looks at His children, He doesn’t pretend the dirt and sins are not there. He sees them better than we do! He sees the potential and has a plan for bringing it into reality. All He needs is our co-operation, faith and time. He has all the time in the world and an abundance of faith to give to those who are willing to receive. He is smiling and waiting for us to join Him in His grand project – making us like Jesus. That should make you smile!

Prayer: Father, forgive my lack of faith that cannot see the potential that You see. I don’t see it in myself and I often fail to see it in others. Give me Your eyes of love and mercy and challenge that I can trust You as You change me. Give me eyes to see Your smile.