A favorite show of mine growing up was Candid Camera (1960-1976). I basically grew up with it. In retrospect, it was a reality show with each show featuring a particular “trick” the host (Peter Dulay) would play on unsuspecting non-actors. Unlike today’s scripted reality shows, I truly believe the non-actor didn’t have a clue what was taking place as the cameras were hidden.

When the “trick” was over, Host Dulay would reveal himself and say, “Smile! You’re on Candid Camera.” At this point all the real actors would remove wigs and other disguises and the poor victim would, hopefully, laugh and be embarrassed to pieces that they fell for the stunt. Obviously this formula worked since the show ran for 16 years.

Sometimes real life feels like it is playing one trick after another on us, doesn’t it? And we find ourselves subconsciously hoping for someone to come out of hiding and tell us it was all a joke. Whatever happened didn’t really happen and we can just laugh off the whole thing.

If only…

As followers of Christ, we probably will have many life-tricks happen to us. And even though most of them will be no laughing matter, we can smile and show our joy from the inside out that only Jesus can give. When we do that it speaks volumes to those around us; much louder than when we smile and everything is going well for us.

Just like Rosie who was rescued from a shelter (a very bad trick on any dog) smile when life is harsh and Christ is sweeter than ever before!

Serve the LORD with gladness;
Come before Him with joyful singing.

Psalm 100:2