So, I was walking around in my backyard the other day and I had
the distinct feeling that I was being watched. The yard is enclosed
by a traditional stucco wall and, given the elevation, no one could stand on
the other side and peek over. Well, maybe with a ladder.
I could find no evidence of an intruder hiding behind the roses bushes, nor
under the Anonymous Plant in the corner…strange, ugly plant.
I was alone. Until I glanced at the east wall and found the culprit.
Who invented “smiley faces?”
I told him to go away. He stayed. (Could be she)
I said: “Stop that silly smiling.” He smiled.
I warned him I was going to get a scrub brush. Didn’t phase him.
I turned my back and ignored him. He wouldn’t quit.
I gave up. He persisted.
Pretty soon I began to wonder about a smile showing up on a stucco wall,
and why here and why now
and I found myself turning up the corners of my mouth
and I thought “My Lord, I’m smiling at a wall.”
But it felt pretty good,
and I was more relaxed
and the ugly plant in the corner didn’t look so ugly anymore.
Strange and rather wonderful what a smile can do.
Don’t you think?
Shining Spirit 
God speaks in mysterious ways. ☺️
Sent from my iPad
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Yes smiles are wonderful and do marvelous things but just maybe ‘retirement’ is giving you too much free time and by the way I bet the plant in the corner took umbrage with your description of it.
I don’t tell you often enough so I want you to know how much your writing means to me! It corrects my crooked paths, reminds me to smile and be grateful and blesses my day with remembering GOD loves us!