Sometimes it is hard to smile -
the difficulties of daily living overwhelm us;
the tragedies of the world sadden us.
Mother Teresa said,
"Peace begins with a smile".
This peace is not a generic 'world peace'
(although this is something we all fervently desire)
but an internal peace -
a peace that quietens the restless soul;
re-orientates the depressed spirit;
enlivens the saddened heart.
When we smile -
at a sweet memory or a fragrant rose or a silly cloud formation -
we are changed;
gratefulness floods our being;
we are at peace.
And it is that peace that can change the world -
one smile at a time.