Blog 715 – 08.07.2017
What’s That Smiling Fellow Got?

As a young man I heard someone say, “Smile it will make people wonder what you have been up to.” Also as a young man I spent a great deal of time trying to convince a lot of people, mainly myself, that my particular take on religion, politics, or practically any subject was the one true correct one. What a heavy burden that is to carry, being right or correct about everything or even just thinking you are. I gave up that job some years ago and if I catch myself seeming all too sure about anything I remind myself that of myself I know nothing. The opinions that I express in this blog are solely my own and are not aimed at convincing anyone of anything that they don’t already know in their heart to be so. I aim mostly to remind myself and others that we are loved just as we are, always have been, and always will be.

And that is what I am smiling about and why shouldn’t I, being party to the best kept secret in all the world. Namely that I am loving, altogether lovely, and loved for who I am. Now that is a mouthful but even more a heart full and it is true of me, of you, and of everyone else too. Not convinced? Well, if I cannot convince you, I will just keep smiling.

When I was in the convincing business it always amazed me how so many people try to convince others to believe or think as they do when what they are thinking or believing does not put a smile on their own face. One of my favorite songs, ‘I’m Yours” says:

“Open up your mind
And think like me
Open up your mind
And damn your free.

Open up your mind
And you’ll find love, love, love, love.”

Today I wrote a little poem of my own and it inspired this blog

What’s That Smiling Fellow Got?

What’s that smiling fellow got
That I have not
Why, he just learned to love himself
And quite a lot.

Now he’s free to love others,
And God as he loves himself
Finding love first in his own heart
A full and overflowing shelf.

I do so enjoy a good lyric. I know that whoever wrote I’m Yours was smiling when they did and every time I sing it I do. So what is the secret to keeping a smile on one’s face? I think if we will try to think back on our top ten sunniest, biggest, and brightest smiles that we will find that love was behind every one. Keep smiling and sharing the love.

Your friend and fellow traveler,
David White