Not everyone is in the best mood every day.
Life happens.
For example: Have you ever been late for an appointment and made a dash through a fast-food restaurant only to discover the person in front of you is placing an order for 27?
That might make your blood boil or cause you to think terrible thoughts for a few seconds – just a few.
That’s when you MUST step back and take a breath and look at the big picture.
Over the years, I’ve been blessed to have interviewed a couple of athletes who always seem to have a smile of their face – no matter what’s going on around them.
Granted, professional athletes make a lot of money and that can solve many problems.
But they don’t smile because of that.
All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor told me he smiles as much as possible because God has been good to him – even in tough situations. That’s why he smiles.
And Matt Kuchar expressed similar sentiments about why fans notice his smile when he plays on the PGA Tour.
“I haven’t thought about that – why do I smile so much,” he told me. “I feel like I play better when I’m having fun and a good time and that puts me in a good mood. I’ve been blessed and God’s been good to me — that’s why I smile so much I guess.”
Indeed, life does happen.
You might become frustrated in a long line of traffic or receive some negative news from your doctor about your future. Those can invite emotions that you want to express and that’s okay.
But try to pause and realize that if you’ve asked the Lord in your heart and are forgiven, you have a reason to smile. You can smile through tough times because He is with you.
A smile is contagious and can encourage someone who might be going through a tough time. It also lets everyone know that bogeys will not get in your way or prevent you from a good round on the course of life.
A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance – Proverbs 15: 13 (KJV)
You can read about Matt Kuchar and other golfers in my book Birdies, Bogeys & Blessings: 30 Days of Devotions for the Godly Golfer from Iron Stream Media.