Monday, February 4, 2013

Smile

I attended a satellite broadcast of a Josh Groban concert with my friend Sherrie Willey tonight. Josh sings the kinds of songs that make me contemplative and one song specifically caught my attention.

(a previous Groban performance)
(music written by Charlie Chaplin, 1936. lyrics added by John Turner and Geoffrey Parsons, 1954)

Smile though your heart is aching
Smile even though it's breaking.
When there are clouds in the sky you'll get by.

If you smile through your fear and sorrow
Smile and maybe tomorrow
You'll see the sun come shining through
For you.

Light up your face with gladness,
Hide every trace of sadness.
Although a tear may be ever so near
That's the time you must keep on trying
Smile, what's the use of crying.
You'll find that life is still worthwhile-
If you just smile.

In spite of disappointments and unanswered prayers, I have felt mostly happy the past year. These lyrics nicely sum why I am grateful to be able to smile day, after day, after day.

p.s. 241 days, and still smiling.