I have much to write to you, but I do not want to use paper and ink. Instead, I hope to visit you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete. 2 John 1: 12 NIV

Behind the mask, it is a little easier to hide your emotions. Both good and bad expressions have a new filter. One day I was thinking about a lot of stuff and I was glad to have the mask to hide my unsmiling face. On another day, I wanted to communicate joy to a clerk, but the mask was hiding my smile. We need face to face.

Note: I am not using this time to debate the health issues or political thoughts about mask wearing, Each should have their own convictions, guided by preferring others first.

What is clear is that face to face is connected to our joy. Looking at someone to say hello and call them by name communicates that you are happy to see them.  We need to give warm eye contact and we need to receive a “glad to see you” facial contact. Words are important, but there is a deeper connection when looking face to face.

We were made to experience joy and face to face helps us return to joy, especially when we are troubled and stressed.

Face to face ideas

  • Look directly at people when you are talking with them
  • Address them by name in the conversation
  • If you are married, be intentional about acknowledging your spouse face to face. The routines of life will cause your to pass like ships in the night. It’s okay if it leads to a kiss, but look for the joys and stresses that they may be carrying. Married couples need to look and listen to each other every day.
  • If you have children, they desperately need face time with parents. Significance is communicated when you take your time to engage them face to face.
    • If your child is a daughter, let her know that she is beautiful inside and out. If they don’t hear it from you…someone else will define it for them/
    • If you child is a son, let him know that he is strong enough, brave enough, and smart enough to do what it takes to navigate life.
    • Kids will know your sincerity when you are engaging them face to face. Both of you need the joy that arises from this type of interaction.
  • Look for smiles in others and give them away often. Your eyes are given a little bit of twinkle with every smile

I told Katy (one of my daughters) about joy arising when we are looking face to face. It really does work. We are enjoying the benefits of intentionally making eye contact. We both laugh now because we know what we are trying to do, and it still works.

Are there some family or friends that you need to connect with like the Apostle John was longing to do? Writing is okay, but his joy would be made complete with some one on one face time.

I know you can’t see it, but I am smiling at you right now.

Blessings Love y’all