Do you like using the drive-thru lanes at fast food restaurants, pharmacies, and banks?
Not me. I avoid drive-thru lanes.
But my wife uses them when possible. She loves the convenience and speed.
I seem to be willing to risk marital conflict all the time by pretending the drive-through doesn’t exist.
I don’t avoid them because of the frustration that bubbles up when I try to place an order through bad speakers. And just like my wife, I value convenience and speed. But I value a face-to-face interaction even more. I love to see the smile on the other person’s face.
I feel better when I see another smile.
Smiles are magical.
Q: What do your group members see when they arrive at your gatherings?
A: Make it a smile!
“Let us always meet each other with smile, for the smile is the beginning of love.”
~ Mother Teresa
Benefits of Putting on a Smile
There are a multitude of benefits you receive when you put a smile on your face. Here are seven reasons to turn on a smile when your guests arrive:
1. Reduced Stress
Want an easy way to better deal with stress? Smiling improves your response to stressful situations.
2. Increased Trust
Trust is extremely important in a small group. Putting on a smile makes you appear more trustworthy.
3. Look Better
Why do you think before and after photos in ads usually feature a smile only in the after photo? You look more attractive when you wear a smile. You can give a boost to your appearance whenever you want.
4. Improved Mood
Your facial expression has the ability to influence your emotions. Smile and you can improve your mood on the spot. Try it right now.
5. Increased Creativity
The good mood your smile creates results in benefits including increased creativity. This will enhance the discussions and decisions occurring in your Bible-study.
6. Live Longer
Would you smile more if you knew it would extend your life? Smiling influences our longevity. This shouldn’t be a surprise since it improves things like our heart health, immunity, and relationships.
7. Better Leadership
A University of Montpellier study showed that, “smiling is a very powerful leadership technique which paves the way for the success of a leader.” Use your smile to be a better small group leader.
It’s great you receive so many benefits by putting a smile on your face. But what about the ones you are greeting? Do they receive any benefits?
They can have ALL of the benefits you receive. It is a bonus reason to smile.
Smiles are Contagious
When you smile, it can have an automatic impact on those around you. It is a natural response to smile if you see someone else smile. Greet your guests with a smile and they will return the expression and immediately be better equipped for all God has in store for them.
Note: If a smile is not returned, it is not a natural response. The person is working to keep from smiling. This is a signal that something serious may be going on in their life. If this is the case, what better place to be than at a small group gathering?
Question: What are some benefits you have received from smiling? How do people react to your smiles? You can leave a comment by clicking here.
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