This short story always encourages my heart and I thought it might lift your heart today..........."THE SMILE""You might be tossing about in a sea of despair. You might even feel as if your life may crash about you and you will never again be healed, whole or happy.They say Robert Louis Stevenson told the story first. It's worth retelling: It seems a storm caught a sea-faring vessel off a rocky coast. The wind and waves threatened to drive the boat to its destruction.In the midst of the terror, one daring passenger, contrary to orders, made his way across the ship. Groping along a passageway, he found the pilot house. There he beheld an intriguing sight; the ship's pilot was lashed to his post. Secure against the raging elements, he held the wheel fast, turning the ship, inch by inch, once more out to sea. The pilot saw the watcher and smiled.The daring passenger found his way below deck where other passengers huddled. Encouragingly, he said, "I have seen the face of the pilot, and he smiled.... ALL IS WELL." Steve Goodier, AuthorThere are times we need to hear those words and be reminded "all is well". My heart is always encouraged and my faith bolstered as I remember that my Pilot smiles in the midst of my raging storm!The story tells us "The pilot saw the watcher and smiled." I love to think about that.......He never takes His loving gaze off of His child and we must continually focus our gaze upon Him and rest in the comfort of His Smile!!Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble,and He brought them out of their distress.He stilled the storm to a whisper;the waves of the sea were hushed.They were glad when it grew calm,and He guided them to their desired haven.Psalm 107:28-30Pause for a moment and reach out to Him and let His smile minister peace, strength and encouragement to your heart and mind..............His glorious countenance and loving eyes are upon you, always! Can you see your Pilot smiling at you now?Sweet Blessings!
