In Korea, when we see people smiling or laughing brightly and happily together, we usually say that “the flower of smile or laughter is in full bloom.” This expression likens people’s brilliant and pleasant smiles or laughter to a flower.
A flower does not bloom suddenly in a day. No matter what kind of flower it is, there needs to be a certain process until it blooms; first, we need to plant the seed, and then the seed sprouts and puts forth buds. Only after this process can we see a beautiful flower.
If we want to make the flower of smile or laughter blossom, we need to plant the seed first. The best place for the seed of smile or laughter to grow well is a heart always full of joy and gratitude. The seed of smile or laughter, which is planted in the fertile soil of one’s heart where there is no room for sorrow or hatred, grows quickly and puts forth buds, and it bursts into bloom on his or her face even at the slightest touch.
No matter how many times we see the flower of smile or laughter, we never become sick of it; the more we look at it, the more beautiful it looks!
Let us diligently cultivate joy and gratitude in the field of our hearts, so our smile or laughter can be in full bloom every day. If we plant a handful of the seed of joy and smile—the good news of salvation—in people’s hearts full of worries and fears, the world will become even brighter and more beautiful.
The flower of smile or laughter!
It blooms most beautifully from a heart always full of joy and gratitude.