Soap Box

The Movie "Elf" is filled with many quotable lines. One that I especially like is "I like smiling. Smiling is my favorite." One of my simple pleasures in life is making other people smile. I may in the grocery store, walking to class, or standing in line somewhere. A smile may last only for a brief moment, but I like to think it has meant something to the other person. I admit that sometimes as people are smiling back they have a look of confusion or uncertainty. I don't think I've ever encountered one of fear, though. I don't think I could scare a kitten...I'll leave that task for Jon Paul! So this is my observation.... For the last three years I have crossed the seminary campus many, many times. Along the way I have passed countless other students who are also on their way to some unknown destination. As I pass these dear brothers and sisters in Christ it amazes me how many refuse to smile! Some, it seems will do anything but make contact. Mentally I say to them "Get off your freakin' high horse. It's not going to kill you to smile at someone." That may kill the spirit of it all, I know. I would like to think it's because they are contemplating a deep theological issue or formulating a thesis for their upcoming paper....but that many people? I understand that seminary students balance ministry, work, class, and family...and it's a lot. But if in the midst of all that we lose the ability to connect with others haven't we lost something. I know that I have moments when it's hard to see past the current circumstance or event. Life is tough at times. But are we not to "count it all joy."