Resembling God

Growing up, I often heard: “You look just like your mother!” or “There is no denying who your dad is!” As a young child, I wondered why people felt the need to remark on this resemblance. Who else would I look like?

As I grow in my Christian faith, there’s another parent whose image should be reflected in my face and actions — God. Yet my feelings often show on my face, making it hard for me to mask impatience, hurt, and anger. Acting on these emotions isn’t the best reflection of God’s love, so I have decided to smile when I feel negative emotions begin to surface.

One day while waiting in a long checkout line, I became impatient. A man was holding up the line because he was chatting with everyone around him. I felt my lips begin to purse, but then I reminded myself to smile. I did, and my irritation faded. The man turned my way to converse. After a few minutes of talking, he asked, “You’re a church lady, aren’t you?” I nodded. “I knew it!” he said. “I see God in your smile.”

Immediately, I was humbled. The small change I’d put into practice to show others grace had instead blessed me with the best compliment I’d ever received.