“My face is leaking!”
You’re probably not old enough to remember Art Linkletter. When I was a child, my mother occasionally watched his talk show and I recall a segment when he would speak with young children. This was always funny because children are usually open and honest with their responses. My mother laughed until she cried at some of these interviews.
Recently, my niece, Catherine, and her daughter visited from out of state. So, that makes Jessica my great-niece. It’s a fitting name because she is great! She’s a happy child, enthusiastic about life, and kind to everyone. And, like most children, she’s open and honest and right on target with some of her comments.
We’ve had some REALLY hot weather this summer in the South. The week of their visit was no exception. Catherine painted an out-building for her parents and Jessica temporarily left the air conditioned house to visit her mother in the ninety-five degree heat.
“My face is leaking!” Jessica announced after a few minutes of watching her mother work.
Her observation was quite accurate. Laboring outside in the southern heat and humidity causes more than just our face to leak. We sweat all over! This past week-end as I loaded bales of hay onto a trailer, I “leaked” (sweated) profusely.
Jessica’s apt comment reminds me that our faces reveal so much about us.
The face is the mirror of the mind, and eyes without speaking confess the secrets of the heart.”
St Jerome
When my mother laughed at Art Linkletter’s young guests, her face revealed her pleasure–her eyes leaked with joy. We may cry at weddings, the birth of a new baby, or at funerals–tears can express both joy or sorrow. Our faces often reveal our innermost feelings. Sometimes we frown in frustration or grimace in pain. For many of us, our faces share a myriad of emotions on a daily basis.
Children bring us great joy–not just because of the funny things they say.
A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world. John 16:21
Jesus loved children:
Then people brought little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked them. Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Matthew 19:13-14.
I think it fitting that children are gifted with the ability to speak openly. Of course, we teach them not to hurt others with their words, but we can learn so much from their unabashed joy of life.
Is you face showing your joy of life today? Does your love for Jesus leak out (show through) in your actions?
The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him. Psalm 28:4
What are some ways we can share joy with others?
Keep your face always toward the sunshine–and shadows will fall behind you.”
Walt Whitman
Katherine, thank you for the reminder that my face and actions should “leak Jesus” at all times, even when words don’t accompany them. I’ll admit that doesn’t always happen to me when I’m rushed or anxious or annoyed. Thank you for the reminder to work on that!!
I’ve never seen you without a smile, sweet friend, but I suppose we all “leak” sadness, frustration, and anxiety at times. Isn’t it awesome that our Jesus is with us no matter what? He’s ready to offer comfort, peace, healing when needed and share our joy when the blessings are showered upon us.
I think “face leaks” say much about us. Whether it’s from toiling in the garden or some other task; or it’s a tear formed from a pure, unadulterated moment of agape love (be that joy or sorr0w), God allows us to show our heart to the world in these ways. What a blessing this post was today Ms. Katherine. My face is leaking from the “Heart Hug” your words inspired this day ma’am. God’s blessings.
I’m so glad we can share “heart hugs,” my friend. I’m grateful for your encouragement! I saw that you got a shower of much needed rain today. We’ve been blessed with sunshine so we could get another cutting of hay harvested. What a blessing for us that God sends the sun and the rain just when we need it!
I am definitely NOT a poker player, my face shows all of my thoughts. Not exactly leaking but similar events. love you aunt!
I’ve always struggled with keeping my emotions from showing when I really want a “poker face” so I understand your dilemma. But, on the other hand (or face), sometimes we can send an important message that way without having to say a word. Love you, sweet girl!
I thought I was a fairly component actor when I was in the film industry, but in everyday life, my face gives me away every time. I wear my joy and my sadness on my face. My tears and laugh are always just under the surface, awaiting their cue. One of the most important things I’ve learned in the Christian life is the importance of not wearing masks. God called us to be transparent and real with one another. That’s the only way we can grow.
Katherine, this is a great reminder. As we encounter others, we should be mindful of the expression on our face. Before we utter a word—people notice our eyes, our smile, or lack thereof. This is another way to let our light shine.
I definitely agree, Beckie! We demonstrate our feelings through body language, gestures, and especially our facial expressions. I love the way you point out that we let our light shine through our eyes and smile. What a wonderful thought–that the light in my eyes can spread the love and light of Jesus!
Great post. I remember Art! And I probably was a little too honest as a kid. But I love how my granddaughter speaks her mind even though it’s convicting to my soul when I need it.
Thank you for your encouragement, Daphne, and sharing your example. My children used to give me a “wake-up” call when I was grumpy. I needed it! I expect my grandchildren will, too. Aren’t we blessed?
I love how original children can be when they express what they observe. Writers can learn from them. One foggy day driving through Atlanta’s skyline, my 4-year-old exclaimed, “Mama, the tops of the buildings have been erased!” I looked and sure enough, that’s exactly what it it looked like during that dense fog.
And obviously, I’ve never forgotten that moment. Thanks for the sweet reminder.
That’s a sweet memory. Aren’t we blessed to have those precious memories? Once, when my son was small, he was talking to one of his stuffed animals. “Be patient, Goofy!” he told the little dog. He’d heard us telling him that and was practicing on his stuffed friend. Reminds us how our children pick up on everything we say (and that we need to be careful what they hear from us!) Blessings!
Our faces do reveal what is in our soul. I love your word pictures. Thanks for sharing that story.
Thank you, Barbara. I believe our children teach some amazing lessons. They’re often God’s messengers. Thanks for your encouragement.