Tommy's Smile
by Deacon Tom Frankenfield
Everyone who ever meets him knows that Tommy is a happy boy. He will always
say, "Hello!" and with that he asks," How are you doing?" Sometimes, Tommy
will tell you that you are a great person and give you a big hug. People
usually feel great whenever they see Tommy coming because they know that
they are about to meet the happiest person they know.
Tommy's parents always remind him that he is a special boy and that God
wants everyone to spread His love to everyone. Of course, for Tommy that
means making people happy. Tommy's grandmother even calls him "Tommy
Sunshine" but Tommy gets embarrassed by that name. Whenever, Grandma calls
out for Tommy Sunshine, Tommy usually gets red in the face and tries to talk
about something else.
One day, Tommy awoke with a tummy ache. Tommy did not feel good. He felt
so bad he did not want to get out of bed. So, when his mother called him
for school, he just hid under the covers. Finally, mother checked Tommy and
said that although he had a tummy ache, he should still go to school. Tommy
did not like that. Being a good boy, Tommy got up as he was told but he did
not want to get up-not one bit.
That day Tommy was not happy. When mother asked him what he wanted to eat,
Tommy said, "Nothing!" and left the room. At the bus stop, all the kids
waited for Tommy's happy smile and for him to talk but Tommy did not talk.
In fact, he just sat in the bus alone.
This behavior continued for a little while when some of his friends decided
that they needed to do something. They all met during recess and decided
that instead of Tommy bringing happiness to them, they now needed to bring
happiness to Tommy.
Within minutes, things started to change. Mary told Tommy how she really
liked his shirt. Jim caught the ball and gave it to Tommy to throw back to
the recess kids. At snack time, at least 10 children shared their treats
with Tommy.
Soon, Tommy could not help but start to smile. These friends were making
him feel special. Then during lunch time, Tommy's smile returned and
happiness returned to the school. From that day onward, not only was Tommy
the happiest boy in school but all of his friends shared their happiness,
too.
My friends, sharing a smile with someone who is having a bad day is one of
the most important things God wants us to do. We all have lots of smiles to
give to everyone around us. Try giving a smile to everyone you know today.
It will make a big difference!
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