The Priceless Gift of a Knee-High Smile

She was just over knee-high standing next to me in the checkout line. I first saw her eyeing a display of candy as she followed her mother and brothers through the store.

When this little toddler gazed up at me with her big dark eyes and innocent expression, I couldn't help but smile at her. Then, without hesitation, she gave me one of the widest, brightest, bubbly grins I had ever seen! Those dark innocent eyes came alive with an intense joy that warmed me from head to toe.

Her smile seemed to shout, "Hi! Isn't it great to be alive together in such a neat place?"

Five years have passed since that exuberant knee-high smile. The picture remains as fresh in my mind as it was that afternoon. I wonder what this little girl would think if she knew that her smile painted an indelible picture in someone's mind.

The simplest gifts are often the most precious gifts, and the gifts we have to share are many.

People have incredible talents, often undiscovered. They have the wisdom of experience, often unspoken. They have love that they need to share, often locked inside them. Moreover, all people need love and acceptance - no matter how stern and unyielding they appear on the surface.

Small acts of kindness speak in loud voices. They inspire hope where there was doubt. They bring comfort to those who are hurting. Sincere compliments remind others how valuable and special they are.

A kind gesture given to a stranger is an extremely powerful reminder that God shares love through his children. These priceless gifts inspire faith.

Encouraging words to a child are powerful emotional deposits of self-esteem. Meeting injustice with forgiveness and integrity sets an example that can point young lives in a positive direction. These are gifts with life-long effects more valuable than any amount of gold.

It has been said, "What sunshine is to flowers, smiles are to humanity. They are scattered along life's pathway, and the good they do is inconceivable." No one can take these priceless gifts away.

The value of a gift is the unending love that continues to touch the lives of many. If the gift of a beautiful knee-high smile can paint a lasting picture, think of all the value contained in the precious gifts that you could share with someone today!

© Copyright 2005 by Steve Brunkhorst. All rights reserved. Reprinted from Achieve! 60-Second Nuggets of Inspiration bringing great stories, motivational nuggets, and inspiring thoughts to help you achieve your top potential. Get the next issue by visiting http://www.AchieveEzine.com

---

Summertime - Take Time To Smell The Roses

I AM SO GRATEFUL for the time to smell the... Read More

A Brick Wall

Direct Answers - Column for the week of August 18,... Read More

Stay With It!

I walked out of his office inspired. All I could... Read More

My Mothers Garden

I love to talk about Purposeful Living with others and... Read More

A Lesson From A Hum Of A Bamboo Clump

Have you heard a nature hymn? For example, a whir... Read More

Attaining Financial Freedom

Financial freedom is not about having enough money to spend... Read More

Recipe for Success

"Desire is a tremendous force, and must be directed in... Read More

Personal Fear of Change and How to Change It!

It's interesting how we intellectually know that tomorrow will be... Read More

Make A Difference - Just Go Make A Difference!

Three Words That Can Help Us Live Exceptional LivesCertain words... Read More

Bus Driver By Day, Online Business Success By Night

Janine Wachowski, a long-time resident of South Elgin, Illinois, drives... Read More

Lifetime of Discoveries: Moments of Peace and Renewal

There are discoveries all around us—small gifts of joy that... Read More

Tim McGraw had it Right - Live Like You Are Dying!

Chorus: An' he said: "I went ski diving, I went... Read More

Believe In Yourself

Diana is a wonderful person with a great personality and... Read More

Take Action and Make a Better World

Albert Einstein is quoted as having said, "the world is... Read More

The Power of Courtesy and Kindness

I'm currently listening to The Secrets of the Power of... Read More

Are You The Master Of Your Destiny?

How strong are you? I'm not asking if you... Read More

Control Your Own Destiny

"You cannot control what happens to you, but you can... Read More

Favorite Quotations... What Do They Say About Us?

Have you stopped to think what your favorite quotes are... Read More

The Inspiration Factor

The first thing that an aspiring leader must realize is... Read More

Anam Cara - Finding a Song for the Heart

All this week I have been singing.This week I have... Read More

What Does it Take to Make Life Better?

What does it take for you to pay attention?You've probably... Read More

The TOP 5 Things That Keep You From Success

Everyone wants to be rich. A lot of people want... Read More

Vistas

The other day I found myself frustrated with the slow... Read More

Recognize the Perfect Realtor

As soon as you have launched a strong desire, the... Read More

A Feline Example On Courage

Fangs. Killer claws. Hisses, grrrs...and later, yelps. Who is not... Read More

Random Thoughts on Living Your Best Life

More things I've noticed along the way:* Our son's birthday... Read More

What is Passion?

What is passion? Recently after a presentation, I was once... Read More

Where You Can Find Sympathy

Ask any of my kids and they'll tell you immediately... Read More

Do You Suffer From The Chef Personality?

As a chef I have a unique perspective on anger.In... Read More

Even the Smallest Sound

You are probably in front of your computer screen at... Read More

Are You Really Living Your Life Today!

Yesterday I was but a child, looking. Looking ahead at... Read More

Important Things to Know / Remember About Life

I love you not because who you are, but... Read More

Today is Yesterdays Tomorrow

The problem with waiting until tomorrow is that when it... Read More