Can a smile stop a crime?

A few years ago I was heading into a store to pick up a few things and I was in a jubilant mood. Not just happy, Ju-bi-lant. I was radiating joy.

I pulled into my parking spot, which was a little ways from the store’s entrance, and beamed at the passenger in the car next to me.

He seemed a little surprised. Perhaps he was a little shaken, but I just kept on smiling, as he adjusted something under his hat.

I unbuckled my toddler and waddled my very pregnant self into the store, still smiling to all around me. (I told you I was jubilant. Must have been those hormones! Or maybe God knew I needed that sunshine that day.)

I noticed a man hovering near us throughout the store. I even said “hello” as he passed me once. But when I looked up later and saw him eying me in the security mirrors overhead, I got an icky feeling and decided it was time to go.

I collected my little one and proceeded to the checkout, announcing my intentions as if I was talking to my child.

I left the store and didn’t think much more about it.

Until I shared the story with someone else. And was reminded of a few robberies that had taken place around town in similar stores. And then wondered what that guy had been messing with under his cap.

Did my smile and direct eye contact stop a crime that could have happened while I was in that store?

As I’ve mentioned before in the blog, I am terrified of being subjected violence. (I know, who isn’t?)

Did God just give me an extra bit of sunshine that day and did my passing it along keep Satan away from all of us at the store that day?

Hmm. Don’t know.

But I will tell you that thinking about this story has caused me to smile a bit bigger and cheerfully recognize more strangers as I pass them. I guess you may never know the power of a true smile.