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A spiritual comment and prayer to begin the day with Rabbi Warren Elf

Friday 7th October

Good morning

Today is World Smile Day.

I am a firm believer that sometimes all it takes to make the day better is a smile, whether it’s one someone gives to you, or one you share with others. We all know that little acts of kindness can bring a shining smile to someone who has otherwise had a terrible day, and it can change everything that follows.

I am someone who always tries to use humour in different situations. When I was a Maths teacher, I always tried to lighten the lessons with a joke and smiles. I am not sure how much my students learnt in my classes but I always hoped they would enjoy them.

So today is the perfect day to try to make others smile while also ensuring we have a smile on our face as well as much as possible throughout the day.

Apparently happiness is biological! When you smile, endorphins are created, that cause feelings of pleasure.

And, do you know why the colour yellow was used for the smiley face? It’s because yellow is the colour of cheerfulness!

So today I would like us all to remember that we should be smiling on World Smile Day! We often smile when we are helping others, so let’s aim today to create one big circle of happiness!

Whatever we are doing today on World Smile Day, let’s try to remember to smile and spread it further. Maybe we should wear something yellow too – I might even wear my yellow tie!

Eternal God, help us to smile today and every day. Help us to do acts of random kindness that will encourage others to smile as well. And at times when we are struggling, we pray that others smile at us and do things that help us smile. Teach us to worry less and to smile more.

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