Walking into an event Wednesday night, my wife, Susan, asked me, "What's wrong with you?" It was the third time I heard a derivative of that comment over the course of the day, and to be honest, it annoyed me (please don't tell her). I wasn't annoyed at her; I was annoyed that I was having a hard time shaking whatever was hanging out beneath the surface all day and couldn't really pinpoint the cause. My mind was thinking "all good", but my face was saying "tread lightly".
As the rest of the Churchill Mortgage group showed up to celebrate Nashville's Top Workplaces (13 years running), I could feel my mood changing. The host of the event brought a theme of "laughter is medicine" and throughout the night had us laughing, dancing, and singing together. He even had a symphony of animal noises produced by unsuspecting volunteers in the audience. By the time the night was over, whatever weight I walked in with was left behind with an empty plate of bad food, good laughs, great teammates, and friends.
"We were filled with laughter, and we sang for joy. And the other nations said, 'What amazing things the Lord has done for them.' Yes, the Lord has done amazing things for us! What joy!" (Psalm 126:2-3)
Every one of us is carrying around something beneath the surface. Most of the time, we know what it is, but sometimes we just can't pinpoint it. That is why we talk about leaving people better for the encounter so much. People need people, and whether you realize it or not, you may be just the person God sent to brighten someone's day. Don't miss the chance.
All of the companies in that room had one thing in common- togetherness. You could tell we all enjoyed being together, sharing together, laughing together, and working together. One of the best ways to strengthen a team, whether at home or in the office, is to fellowship together. Share a meal, go to an event, tell some jokes, enjoy an experience, and discover gratitude. Do it purposefully. Schedule it, let it happen randomly, but don't neglect it.
What joy there is in laughter and recognizing the amazing things the Lord has done for us.
Attitude is a choice, and so is joy.
Choose joy and tell your face. A smile, even if forced, will change your heart in a way others will notice and be better for it.