I was listening to Pandora this afternoon with my babe while giving her lunch and the great Nat King Cole came on. He is one of my favorites. His voice is calm, soothing and trusting. The song "smile" played and I loved every word:
"Smile though your heart is aching
Smile even though it's breaking
When there are clouds in the sky,
you'll get by
If you smile through your fear and sorrow
Smile and maybe tomorrow
You'll see the sun come shining through for you
Light up your face with gladness
Hide every trace of sadness
Although a tear may be ever so near
That's the time you must keep on trying
Smile, what's the use of crying?
You'll find that life is still worthwhile
If you just smile
That's the time you must keep on trying
Smile, what's the use of crying?
You'll find that life is still worthwhile
If you just smile."
Life can be trying, life can be plain dumb at moments, life can get you down. I don't think it's bad to have a little pout or tear moment but to quickly smile and realize all that life offers afterwards. There is beauty in this life and we would all do well to remember that. I once wrote in a public place a little pout pout message when I was having a hard time and instead of comfort or cheering me on I got a scolding private message. It told me to stop complaining and that I shouldn't gripe. I've contemplated that message a great deal because at first it really hurt. I'm not a rain cloud over my head type of person and rarely spread gloom and doom. But in a moment of great struggle I did and then was chastised. I felt a little miffed and hurt more. However, now as I look back there was some good in that (even though I would've rather had a cheer team) message. We all would do well to smile cause in the low times, "That's the time you must keep on trying." I am grateful for the blessings in my life that help me when the world seems cold and bitter. Especially my Mister James and Baby Jane. They bring sunshine, laughter and love to my heart when it aches.
So as good ol' Nat said, "If you just SMILE" it will help those rainclouds pass you by and allow for sunshine to poke through. Keep on smiling through life!!
Link to a great little piece by Nie (Stefanie Nielson) on life's trial:
http://nieniedialogues.com
