Haven’t we all wished we had some kind of superpower? A superpower that would help us rise above the normal. A superpower we could use to make a difference in the world. A superpower that would make us special.
Well believe it or not, there is one superpower that everyone has. It’s a superpower that truly can help you rise above the normal and make a difference. Some rarely use this superpower. Others may use it, but not nearly enough. What is this superpower? It’s something you probably didn’t even realize was a super power. I didn’t realize it till I was watching a Youtube video. Then it dawned on me… everyone has this power! (Click on the video link and watch the video before you go any further. It will help as you read the rest of this post.)
The great superpower that everyone has is a heartfelt smile! I hope that’s not a let down for you, but it’s true. A smile has the power to lift you out of the normal. A smile has the power to change someone’s day, and even their life. A smile gives you a powerful influence and impact in lives and circumstances.
Think I’m blowing this out of proportion? Think about these two scenarios…
- You come home from a long and difficult day. As you come through the door, your spouse looks up from what they’re doing, sees you, gives you a downtrodden look, and grunts, “Hey.”
- You come home from a long and difficult day. As you come through the door, your spouse looks up from what they’re doing, sees you, suddenly breaks out in a big smile, and says “Hey!”
Which scene would you rather experience? Doesn’t the use of the superpower in the second scene make a difference in your outlook and attitude? Doesn’t it lighten the burden of the day? Doesn’t it set the mood for the evening? Few things have as big an effect on me as when my wife greets me with a big smile when I come home.
Let me give you another example. The other night, my wife was watching TV and they were showing a big family wedding. Everyone was happy and smiling, as people at weddings usually do. But when I looked over at my wife, she was smiling too. It wasn’t her wedding! It wasn’t her family! But just seeing people smiling and happy made her smile too. (And let me just add, she was sick and not feeling well at the time.)
It makes me think of one of my favorite movies, “Patch Adams.” In that movie, (which is based on a true story), there are several scenes in which Patch is trying to get people to smile, because he knows that there is healing power in that.
One of my favorite pictures is this picture of my granddaughter.
No matter what kind of day I’m having, the smile on her face always makes me smile and makes my day better.
I’m telling you, smiling is a superpower. It’s a superpower that changes others, and it’s a superpower that changes you. But it’s a super power that’s only good if you use it. Can you imagine having the ability to fly like Superman and not really using it?
So I challenge you to use your superpower every chance you get. Use your superpower when you feel like it and use your superpower when you don’t feel like it. Use your superpower for the good of others, and use your superpower for your own good. I dare you!
On another level…
Scripture seems to confirm this in Proverbs 17:22:
“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength.” (Prov. 17:22 NLT)
You have the ability to administer good medicine to yourselves and others, despite the circumstances. And you don’t even have to go through all the schooling or get the medical license!
Think of other superpowers you have at your disposal, and let us know what they are.
Copyright © 2015 Bret Legg
Well I used to claim my superpower was delivering sets of twins, but since I am no longer capable of that, I can try this one. 🙂
I also think kindness is a superpower, even it is just a simple act. There are so many easy things to do that could change someone’s outlook. Sometimes all you need to do is recognize their need and ask if you can help. It could be as simple as reaching for an item out of their reach or opening the door for them.