Ask a child to smile for you

This job that I have now follows the Jewish holidays, so I have spent the last three days doing virtually nothing of note. Oh, I spent some time catching up on things I have put off (laundry) and simply enjoying the break from work. Best of all, knowing that when this short break is over, I do have a job.

I also had some time to read up on blogs I used to follow. I don't follow them anymore because of the whirlwind that has become my life since I started this job in August (not to mention the time I spent chasing jobs and going to interview after fruitless interview). Lots of reading, especially on some of the more active ones.

It came as a surprise to see how few of the ones I read regularly have simply stopped altogether. The ones that have moved on but stopped sharing what they've moved on to. I am saddened that life's trials keep them from participating. Or is it just that they don't care to share anymore?

I know how hard it is to keep writing, not knowing if anyone reads what I write or cares, for that matter, about what I choose to share. I often liken it to sending transmissions out into space and hoping someone will make some sense of it and say, "I am here!" No doubt an unconscious desire to hear that you have the attention of another person, if even for a short moment in time.

But the ones that really get me are the ones who have hit on hard times and chosen to share their often depressing news. After reading up on what they have posted, I have wanted to just reach out and give them a hug or something. Just to bring a smile back to their faces.

One of the joyous things about the job I have now as a child portrait photographer is to see every day angelic faces light up in smiles, just for the asking. I can't tell you how much of a buffer against the trying times I have had those smiles are. Sure the pay is terrible, the hours long, and you certainly get the uncooperative children. But to get smile after smile and know that there is no malice, ill intent or hypocrisy behind it is... The only word I can think of is beautiful.

I may suggest that these people do that. Ask a child to smile for you. It's free and it stays with you when times are bad.