REACHING OUT WITH A SMILE

Its so easy to be the first to greet someone warmly, express gratitude for a favor, give a blessing, offer praise

or just express appreciation.

What does it really take to acknowledge someone’s presence with a smile?

To say “HELLO” or “GOODBYE”. How much good will could be generated, by just greeting someone with a

“GOOD MORNING” or wishing them a “GOODNIGHT”, especially our own child?

What does it really take to occasionally make a phone call and inquire about someone’s welfare? Reaching out to a parent, grand parent, widow or sick person and saying, “HOW ARE YOU”?

What about saying “THANK YOU” when benefitting from another persons kindness? How about acknowledging someone’s thank you with, “YOUR WELCOME”.

Wishing a Yid, “GUT SHABBOS” or “GUT YOM TOV”, isn’t a bad idea either, instead of just walking by and making believe the other person doesn’t exsist, or isn’t worthy of recognition. What about wishing “MAZEL TOV” to someone making a simcha? How about blessing someone with a “STAY WELL” or “BE WELL”?

Truthfully speaking, what is the hang up? Is it חס ושלום pride or status, that gets in our way?

We say three times a day “ונפשי, כעפר לכל תהיה” Let me be before all as dust.

Do we really mean what we say, or are we just saying words? We ought to realize that when we greet another person appropriately, we are doing a Chesed, by making another human being feel good. We are also letting them know that they are recognized, count and have value.

Little do we realize that we are also doing ourselves a Chesed at the same time. Let us remember what Hashem promised our forefathers,  “ומברכך ברוך”, those that bless you, shall be blessed.

What a super opportunity. Let’s not take it for granted.

There is so much power in a smile, good word or nice compliment. It can brighten someone’s day. It can uplift a person’s self esteem. It can encourage them to take on challenges they never thought possible.

Our words have super power, to encourage and foster camaraderie in our homes and communities.

Best time to start is NOW.