One of my earliest memories was an interaction that occurred on the playground. I was probably in second or third grade. A much larger child (who I did not know!) confronted me with a sour expression and said, “what are you smiling about?” I must have looked from side to side wondering if he was talking to me as I noted that the level of his anger rose. And, knowing me I probably laughed not necessarily at him but at the situation. He was not amused and I was not sure what to do. So, I did what one does with a bully. I did what he told me to do! I wiped the smile off my face!
I think that lasted for quite some time. At least when I noticed that he was nearby. I changed my behavior as I felt threatened. And, his statements made me feel stupid for having a smile on my face. Thankfully, I moved far away not long after and my smile slowly returned and the incident’s impact faded. Only years later did I recall how I had dealt with my first bully.
Sometimes even to this day I feel badly about my response to him. But, when I look back on it I can take a good lesson from it. I asked myself a few questions as I reflected on it. My first question to myself was: “why were you smiling?” I think my bully friend was not the first to ask that question. And, I am asked that question and it’s partner- “what are you laughing at?” very frequently. The answer is that I know that God is with me and loves me! I also know that my sins are forgiven and one day I will be present with Him in the “heavenly realms.” (Wow!!) I wish I had given that answer to the bully but I was too busy fearing for my life.
The second question I asked was, “why did it irritate him so much?” That one may be a bit more complicated. Maybe he really wanted to know why I was joyful and wanted to get on board. Maybe he did not want others to be happy when he was not…There are infinite maybes there.
In retrospect, I wish he could have learned the secret behind my smile.
The third question I asked myself was “what would a better response have been?” Yet, then I thought “give yourself a break you were 7-8 years old!” Yet, as an adult I look at this very differently. And, I generally respond as I wish I had back in the day. A passage from 1 Peter 3:15-16 informs me on this. It says, “Always be ready to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you. However, do so with gentleness and respect…” Offering a kind, patient answer about the object of our hope and joy is a great goal. It did not dawn on me as a child that it may have been a good “defense” against a bully. But, now I know what to say if someone says, “what are you smiling about?” And, under no circumstances will I stop smiling. And, I’ll aim to let others in on my “secret.” God’s gift is there for anyone who is willing to receive it. 🤓 Blessings→ Glenn.
partofHISstory 