Miles Of Smiles

The late great humorist, Erma Bombeck, told the story of what happened to her in Church one Sunday. She said,

“I was focused on a small child who was turning around and smiling at everyone. He wasn’t gurgling, spitting, humming, kicking, tearing the hymnals, or rummaging through his mother’s handbag. He was just… smiling.

“Finally, his mother jerked him about and in a stage whisper that could be heard in a little theater off Broadway said: ‘Stop that grinning! You’re in Church!’ With that, she gave him a glare, and, as the tears rolled down his cheek, the mother added, ‘That’s better,’ and returned to her prayers.” Bombeck reflected, “We sing, ‘Make a joyful noise unto the Lord!’ while our faces reflect the sadness of one who has just buried a rich aunt who left everything to her pregnant hamster.”

She continued, “Suddenly I was angry. It occurred to me the entire world is in tears, and if you’re not, then you’d better get…