Try and Catch Me

When I arrived at the gym this morning, I was surprised to discover lots of smiling parents.

It's not usual to encounter parents--my gym has a preschool in the building, and depending on what time I arrive, I often run into them dropping off or picking up their kids. I see them in the parking lot, too--loading and unloading.

Unfortunately, though, they're not usually smiling! More often than not, they have a harried look on their face as they rush from one place to the next, struggle to herd the kids in the right direction, and deal with separation sadness.

Today, though, they were all smiling. Why?

The answer became clear when I saw what they had in their hands--school pictures had arrived!

I reflected on these parents--parents who so often seemed unhappy--and in my mind I told them, "Hold on to this moment! Hold on to this feeling! Choose to be happy always."

The experience reminded me of a powerful decision I made a few weeks ago.

Beyond Freedom teaches us that we are in control of our feelings. We get to choose how we react in every situation. We choose how we think, and we choose how we feel. So doesn't it make sense that you should choose what serves you? Choose what makes you feel good. Choose what makes you happy! Hold on to the feeling.

I will admit that I am, by nature, an excitable person. I get excited about things that people often think are a little crazy, and I have spent a good deal of my time trying to get others to experience the joy and happiness that I feel so readily. I was popular with people who had low self esteem, because I was their cheerleader. The boys who were attacted to me liked me because I was peppy and would talk a lot.

But focussing on others in this way is exhausting, and I have often craved the company of those who naturally feel the excitement and joy of life that I do. It seems, though, that these people are few and far between.

A few weeks ago, our community theme for the week was being an example--focussing on doing the right thing ourselves (being happy, making a ton of money, etc.), instead of stopping what we're doing to try and motivate others. Tony and his guests taught us that example is the best motivator!

And so I had these thoughts in my mind on Sunday at choir practice.

I am forever trying to get the choir members to smile, have fun, and enjoy the music. "Don't you love it?" I say, "Don't you believe it? Then show it!" And this Sunday was no different.

From there I went to our church service, where I lead the congregational singing as well. Every Sunday I watch as people barely move their lips to sing the songs--even during the happy, joyful songs ("The rousing hymns of Zion!" a leader used to call them), nary a smile can be seen on people's faces. I am up there waving my arms frantically--smiling, emoting, and frustrated that I seem to be the only one enjoying the experience. I want so badly to knock heads together or run around tickling everybody just to get them to smile!

But this particular Sunday, as I was reflecting on our community lessons from the week before, it occured to me that it is not my responsibility to try and make them feel the joy. All I can do is feel it myself, and perhaps others will see my example and want to feel it, too.

Now, I do not know what is going on in anyone else's lives. Perhaps they are struggling with a difficult job situation, or the death or illness of a loved one. Perhaps they are preoccupied with day to day living, financial troubles, or family discord. Perhaps they really are happy inside, and they just have a different way of showing it. I don't know.

But I made a decision that day, and that decision is this: I never want to be caught without a smile.

I never want someone to look at me and wish I was smiling or wish I was happier or wish I could experience the joy they are feeling. I never want someone to look at me and be sad that I don't look happy. I never want to be THAT person--that person I see over and over and over all around me. You know, the one that looks so sad or stressed out or overwhelmed.

So, if you see me walking down the street, try and catch me. If you see me in the store, if you see me in church, if you see me at the school, try and catch me. If you see me with friends, if you see me with my kids (especially with my kids!), if you see me with my husband, try and catch me.

No matter where I am, not matter what I'm doing, try and catch me without a smile.