Friday, February 17, 2006

So I'm Gonna Smiiiiile!


Today I was visiting with a friend about a book that she is reading. She was sharing with me a story from the book that I thought was profound, and I asked her if she minded if I shared it here today.

The story goes as follows. The author of this book and her husband went to their local hardware store frequently, and behind the counter was a sales clerk. This sales clerk was obese, had straggly hair, homely clothes and was what she called Hillybilly Ugly...which is way worse then ugly. Anyway, although this lady was incredibly ugly all the men in the store would storm the front desk,visit and laugh with her like bees to honey all day long. In fact, on many occasions when they would need to ask her a question, she and her husband would have to wade through the clamor of men and their laughter to ask this salesclerk.

One day on their way out of the store she asked her husband about why all of these men were so engaged with this salesclerk when she was so Hillybilly Ugly. His response was, "Who are you talking about? That sweet little clerk?" Shockingly, she thought there is nothing little about her, and although she always had a smile and laughter, she was very ugly. It seemed to go against all that she believed about men and their vain eyes.

The next time they saw this salesclerk was in the grocery store. She was with her misbehaved daughter who was grabbing a handful of candy, and this same salesclerk was angry and snarling at her daughter. She was no longer smiling or laughing. The husband of the author said, "Who is that lady? She looks familiar." His wife responded confusingly, "That is the salesclerk from the hardware store." The husband looked stunned and disappointed and couldn't believe that she could have been the same lady. Even though her hair was worn in the same way, and same clothes, her husband didn't recognize her. She was so welcoming and appealing to the men in the hardware store that she could have half a dozen of those men desiring to marry her. Her best asset was her warm welcoming smile, engaging laugh, attentive eyes, and today she had forgot to put this on.

I was amazed at this true story. How much impact this small and obviously important attribute is. That a warm smile and silly giggle can blind the fleshly eye, yet be very appealing to the heart. I thought about the impact that this has had on my relationship with Dennis. That even when times are tough, if I have a big smile or a sly giggle, his eyes light up as if I am the most beautiful girl on the planet. I must say, after hearing this story, it motivates me to welcome Dennis with a huge smile and warm laughter when he walks in the door today, and every day. I never want him to think I am Hillybilly Ugly....lol.

13 comments:

momto3blessings said...

I love the pictures trina!!!
I was reading this story to my husband today and he agreed. He said there is nothing like coming home to a smiling wife. And that you can be the most beautiful woman in the world but if your angry and bitter all the time there is nothing beautiful about that.

Trina said...

Amen....it works both ways!

LAMommyof3 said...

Thanks for visiting my blog.

This is so true! It's amazing how much our attitude contributes to(or takes away from)our appearance!

Trina said...

No problem...I enjoyed your blog.

Trina said...

I completely agree Salena. How many times of you smiled at an unhappy person and they beam a big smile back at you. Its very powerful!

Angel said...

Trina...I don't think you could be Hillbilly Ugly if you TRIED! But seriously, very good story....and loved your take on it.

MarylandMommy said...

Loved this story!

Your boys are absolutely adorable! I really like their names too! Abram was one of the names we had picked out for our son, but later decided on Seth. I loved reading your posts about where you live & your family. I have a friend that lives in Stanwood, WA~not sure if that is close to you or not.

Great blog! Can I add you to my blogroll?

Nicki said...

Wonderful story! Thank you so much for sharing it. What a wonderful reminder!

I've enjoyed reading through your blog. I'll definitely be back to read more. :)

Trina said...

Angel: Oh I dont know about not being Hillybilly ugly...you haven't seen me after a long night with Roman..lol

Marylandmommy: We were considering Seth for our fifth son, in fact it was THE name until we decided on Roman the last month of my pregnancy. PS. I would be honored to be listed on your blogroll. I will see if I can put you on mine, but I dont know how yet so my friend is doing this for me. So I will ask her.

Nicki: Thanks for visiting. I will go check your blog out too.

Kim said...

Trina - I definitely need to do this. I have a tendency to be glum in the wintertime. My hubby would be thrilled to pieces if I greeted him with a smile & giggle every night.

Can I add you to my blog list? I live in WA too. In Marysville. :)

Trina said...

Hi Kim,
Absolutley you can add me, and I will add you as well if you dont mind? I have some friends that live in Lake Stevens and Snohomish. Its wonderful to meet another Washingtonian. I am looking forward to getting to know you. :)

Anonymous said...

Trina ,Loved that story,great daily reminder for me.
for all the guys in my life.hehehe
love ya,
Sonya

Kim said...

Trina,
Thanks so much!
Btw, I lived in Lake Stevens from 13-19 then again for a little bit when I got married. :)