The ministry of the smile

St. Teresa of Calcutta

I think we’re all a bit smile-deprived these days. With our faces mostly covered to prevent the spread of Covid (good), it’s been difficult to exchange smiles with one another (not so good).

As we navigate this pandemic, I’m keeping in mind what Mother Teresa called the ministry of the smile, which can work wonders at a time like this. When I’m out for a stroll in my neighborhood or on my daily power walk, I’m making an extra effort to smile at people, even if they’re across the street. I simply wave, say a quick hello and flash them a smile, which may be the only one they’ve seen all day.

It’s funny how a simple gesture like that can lift a person’s spirits, and let’s face it, we can all use a lift these days. Stress levels are high and everyone is impacted by the pandemic and economic crisis in one way or another. Seems like the perfect time to take St. Teresa of Calcutta’s words to heart, “Smiling is our first act of love.”