“Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing.”
                                            -Mother Teresa

One of my classmates passed away recently and it hit me harder than I would have expected. I wouldn’t say I was close to him but I knew him. Well, I knew him in a way that someone from a small town knows someone else. I admit that I could have gotten to know him better, but we were different, ran in different circles. See, he was a genuinely good guy. Good grades, good behavior, community service, involved in sports, strong in his faith…the works. He was nice to everyone, and no one could ever say a bad thing about him. And the one thing I remember most was his smile. He had a smile for everyone and it was warm, innocent, and most of all, sincere.

I, on the other hand, was not such a good girl. I didn’t feel like I belonged, so I misbehaved in protest. But I’ve already told you about that.

What I wanted to say is that this guy didn’t look down his nose at me. He didn’t treat me any differently. He was nice to me, and he never withheld his smile from me. That was the type of person he was. He had a good heart and a good soul. And it saddens me that such a good person had to be taken so young. He deserved to live a long, happy life.

But I thank the higher power that the world was blessed with his presence, even if for a short time. I thank the higher power that there are people like him in this world. People who keep their minds and hearts open. People who give of themselves without a second thought. People who don’t feel the need to place judgment on everyone they know. People who talk to you and listen to you and are genuinely interested in what you have to say. People who smile. I don’t think people realize how much power a smile can hold. What if we all smiled at each other instead of scowling and screaming and fighting and pointing fingers? What if we just took the time to smile at the people we see at work, at school, at the grocery store, wherever, whenever?

I believe that we are here to know love. We are here to give love, to receive love, to be hurt by love, to be healed by love. And I’m not speaking solely of romantic love. I’m speaking of all kinds, including love of your fellow human being. I think my dearly departed classmate, who gave his life for his country, knew this love.

I wish there were more people like him in this world. Then maybe this world would be a better place.

I know I am an idealist. I know the grumps and cynics will tell me to take my kumbaya nonsense and shove it where the sun doesn’t shine. I wish they could see that is what is wrong with the world. That people don’t smile or connect with others. That people judge and hate. That people don’t believe in the power of love and kindness.  And as long as people don’t believe in love and kindness, as long as people build walls around their hearts, around their souls, around their homes and cities and countries, then there will not be peace and joy for all. I know it sounds simplistic, but what is wrong with that? Maybe we have over complicated everything anyway. Maybe it’s possible that tearing down the walls we have built to keep each other out will make all our lives better. Maybe it’s possible that opening our hearts and minds to each other will allow us to see the beauty and wonder we have been blind to. Maybe it’s possible that love is all we need.

And maybe it’s possible that a smile, in some small way, can change the world.

This post is dedicated to all the men and women who serve this country, and to those who have given their lives to ensure our freedom. Until we can tear down those walls and greet each each other with a smile instead of with fear, they will be there to protect us.

Have a safe and happy Fourth!