One minute read.
Daily Reading: 1 Samuel 18:5-19:24, John 8:31-59, Psalm 112:1-10, Proverbs 15:12-14
Daily Verse: “A glad heart makes a cheerful face, but by sorrow of heart the spirit is crushed.” Prov. 15:13
Joy and sorrow.
Cheerful faces express joy; sorrowful ones don’t. Deep emotions express themselves through our body language. Hiding what lies beneath the surface doesn’t always work.
“It can’t be that bad,” the stranger said, walking past me while I worked. Startled, I didn’t realize my facial expression revealed so much about my inward emotions. Tired after a long day of travel and hours spent re-merchandising the men’s Nautica shop in one of my largest stores, the exhaustion showed on my face. To this day, I still remember that moment and all it taught me.
Our faces reveal more than we think. According to experts, body language represents 70-93% of our body language. Look beyond people’s words and pay attention to their nonverbal communication.
Rejoice with those who rejoice and grieve with those who grieve. Share in people’s journeys. Join them in their joy and sorrow as you become more alert to their body language.
Cheerful or sorrowful, God cares for all.
Lord, forgive us for missing out on people’s expressions. Help us become more alert to body language, allowing us to join the celebration or share in the suffering. Let us connect with people as we engage in their joys and sorrows. IJNIP. Amen
