Joy is Contagious

Watching my son bring smiles to even the grumpiest of strangers has been quite amusing over the last few months. Sometimes I think he is quite the distraction, especially at church, but most people seem to enjoy his smiles and waves. My husband and I enjoy taking Baby Boy for walks and will often go watch games at the soccer and baseball fields close to our house. The other day, I noticed a man watching the game who was completely absorbed in himself. He was listening to his Ipod and barely seemed to be paying attention to his daughter who came and sat by him during her break from the game. I couldn't help but think about how technology can make us so disconnected from those sitting right next to us... but that is for a different post. Anyway, BB was being his sweet, goofy self and was waving and smiling at some girls across the field. He also kept trying to wave at the man with the Ipod. Eventually, the man saw him. It made me a little uncomfortable because he did not look like a very welcoming person. Well, as soon as he saw BB, he broke into a huge grin and waved and smiled right back. The man couldn't help but smile! He had an adorable baby boy trying to spread joy to him and that he did! As the game went on, I noticed that the man's diposition had totally changed. He sat up straighter, smiled more and seemed so much more engaged in the game. It was quite a transformation to see-all from a simple smile from a joyful little boy.

Just today at Mass, I saw another example of joy being spread through pure innocence. At our parish, we have a woman with Downs Syndrome who is very involved in the parish. Today, she was taking up the collection. As she does it, she makes sure to thank every single person and say something kind or positive. It is a bit of an awkward situation-she can be heard quite loudly as she goes up and down the aisle, right during the middle of Mass. But it is so much more than an awkward situation, it is an experience of joy being passed on. I couldn't help but turn up my lips as she exclaimed, "Good Morning!" or "Beautiful weather today!" I looked over and saw each person she walked by with smiles from ear to ear.

A smile is something so simple. A mere turning up of the lips. Yet, it's benefits can reach beyond it's giver a hundred times over. Joy is contagious, spread it without reservation!