countenance

Abraham Lincoln said, “Everyone over 40 is responsible for their own face.”

Do you know people who are always smiling, no matter what they are dealing with? Do you know others who look like a walking thundercloud despite having everything that would seem to make someone happy?

What does your face say?

Merriam Webster defines countenance as a person’s face or facial expression as an indication of mood, emotion or character, a person’s look, support or admitting something is acceptable or possible, ie: give one’s blessing to and “bearing, demeanor”

The Aaronic Blessing in Numbers 6 describes the importance of countenance.

22 Then the LORD said to Moses, 23 “Tell Aaron and his sons: This is how you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them:

24 ‘May the LORD bless you and keep you;

25 may the LORD cause His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you;

26 may the LORD lift up His countenance toward you and give you peace.’

27 So they shall put My name on the Israelites, and I will bless them.”

Let your face speak kindness, friendliness, tolerance, concern for others and inner peace ( shalom- peace of mind, body, spirit)

Smile at your children, grandchildren, spouses, friends, strangers, neighbors, cashiers, colleagues, parents, grandparents, etc.

Surround yourself with people and things that make you smile. It’s your inward self that speaks volumes in your countenance!

Let your face greet everyone with a message: Be greatly blessed, highly favored and deeply loved.