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Updated Bourbon County Commission Meeting Agenda for Feb. 2, 2026
Bourbon County Commission Meeting Agenda 02.02.26 Revised
Date: February 2, 2026 | Time: 5:30 PM
Meeting Opening
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Call to Order (Page 1)
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Roll Call (Page 1)
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Pledge of Allegiance & Prayer (Page 1)
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Introductions (Page 1)
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Oath of Office: Joe Allen, District 3 (Page 1)
Administrative Approvals
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Agenda & Minutes: Approval of the current agenda and minutes from the January 15 and January 26 sessions. (Page 1)
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Accounts Payable: Review of the January 30, 2026, payables totaling $114,143.02. (Page 1)
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Tax Corrections: Approval of any pending tax adjustments. (Page 1)
Executive Sessions & Department Updates
Executive Sessions
The Commission will enter two private sessions under K.S.A. 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss non-elected personnel matters.
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Session 1: Led by Motley regarding specific personnel. (Page 1)
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Session 2: Led by Samuel Tran to protect the privacy of individual personnel. (Page 1)
Department Reports
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Payroll: Update provided by Milburn-Kee. (Page 1)
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County Clerk: A comprehensive discussion on inventory management, commission minute procedures, resolutions, and the 2025 end-of-year financials. (Page 1)
Old Business
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Policies & Planning: Follow-ups on the County Handbook and updates on Strategic Planning and the Commission Calendar. (Page 1)
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Infrastructure & Operations: Updates on EOC access (Beerbower) and Sewer project progress (Milburn-Kee). (Page 1)
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Administrative Contracts: Ongoing discussions regarding County Benefits and the DMV contract. (Page 1)
New Business
Public Safety & Finance
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Equitable Sharing Agreement: Sheriff Martin will present the certification for federal sharing programs. (Page 2)
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Liaison Program: A critical review of the current liaison program led by Beerbower. The Commission will discuss whether to revise the program’s structure or terminate it entirely. (Page 2)
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Economic Discussions: Matt Quick will present on Bitcoin Valuation. (Page 2)
Financial Auditing & Memberships
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Financial Oversight: Samuel Tran will lead discussions on hiring a Fractional CFO and initiating a Forensic Audit. (Page 2)
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SEKRPC Dues: Approval of $4,554 for Southeast Kansas Regional Planning Commission membership dues, historically funded by the General Government account. (Page 2)
Closing
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Future Agenda Topics (Page 2)
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Commission Comments (Page 2)
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Adjournment (Page 2)
From the Bleachers-748 by Dr. Jack Welch
FROM THE BLEACHERS-748
BY DR. JACK WELCH-
Public Education Under Attack
Public education is under attack, even though states are legally required to provide an equitable and adequate education for every child. As an educator, I’ve learned to listen to older people. Seasoned adults have an uncanny ability to sense who can be trusted and who can’t. Most of the time, I agree with them. In just about every job I’ve ever had, there have been a few older educators who became trusted comrades, people who had seen enough to know the difference between noise and truth.
People have instincts like that. Sometimes it’s just a gut feeling. Sometimes it shows up in how someone treats employees or even their own friends. For me, my radar immediately goes up when anyone starts disparaging the teaching profession.
Like any profession, there are bad actors who should be removed, and public and state education can and should improve with the right support. A few bad apples never justify bullying an entire profession though.
Bullying is increasingly coming from social media. Online harassment, threats, and insults aimed at teachers have become the most common form of aggression educators face today. These attacks cause real emotional and psychological harm and are driving good teachers out of the classroom. Left unchecked, this kind of rhetoric can spill over into real-world violence.
Much of it is politically motivated. Well-funded organizations have repeatedly targeted public and state education with false or misleading claims. In June 2023, as reported by author Glenn Rogers, Gordon ISD, a small, high-performing rural district in north central Texas, was viciously attacked online after being falsely accused of grooming students for transgenderism. The claim centered on a book available statewide through TexQuest, an online library coordinated with the Texas Education Agency. The book had never been accessed in Gordon ISD and had already been suppressed by school officials. None of that mattered. The attack rattled teachers, parents, and administrators. Educators who had done nothing wrong were subjected to fear, stress, and public shaming.
Let’s just call it what it is, public education is taking some hard shots right now. Across the country, more teachers are being verbally abused and, in some cases, physically attacked by students and even parents. Some reports say as many as 10 to 14 percent of educators have been assaulted on the job. A lot of folks point to the post-pandemic years as the turning point, but regardless of the cause, the results are clear: teachers are worn down, morale is taking a hit, and too many good educators are deciding it’s not worth the risk anymore. That’s why school safety isn’t just a talking point, it’s something we’ve got to take seriously. Older, experienced educators seem to know who to trust. Maybe it’s time the rest of us trusted our seasoned teachers again.
Thought for the Week, “A community’s true values are revealed not by its slogans, but by how it treats the people entrusted with educating its children. When we choose education over outrage, we choose a stronger future.” Blake Powell, a leading Texas educational attorney.
Dr. Jack Welch serves as President of Fort Scott Community College. With a career spanning professional sports, public education, and rural community development, he brings a servant-leader mindset and a passion for building trust-driven cultures that empower people to thrive in the classroom, on the field, and in life. He is also the author of Foundations of Coaching: The Total Coaching Manual.
Agenda for the Ft. Scott City Commission on Feb. 3
NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR REGULAR
MEETING OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
City Hall Commission Room – 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
February 3, 2026 – 6:00 P.M.
I. Call to Order
II. Pledge of Allegiance
III. Invocation
IV. Approval of Agenda
V. Consent Agenda
A. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1401-A – Expense Approval Report –
Payment Dates of January 14, 2026 – January 30, 2026 – $
B. Approval of Minutes: Regular Meeting of January 20, 2026
VI. Public Comment
VII. Appearances
A. Stephen Mitchell – IT Update
VIII. Unfinished Business
IX. New Business
Public Hearings:
A. Consideration of RESOLUTION NO. 9-2026 RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE
REPAIR OR REMOVAL OF AN ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE
AT 310 N. CLEVELAND – L. Kruger
B. Consideration of RESOLUTION NO. 10-2026 A RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE
REPAIR OR REMOVAL OF AN ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE
AT 601 S. LITTLE – L. Kruger
Action Items:
A. Status update of 18 S. HOLBROOK – Tabled from November 18, 2025 – L. Kruger
B. Consideration of changes to Ordinance No. 3793 – AN ORDINANCE REGULATING
PUBLIC OFFENSES WITHIN THE CORPORATE LIMITS OF THE CITY OF FORT
SCOTT, KSANSAS; INCORPORATING BY REFERENCE THE UNIFORM PUBLIC
OFFENSE CODE FOR KANSAS CITIES, 41 ST EDITION, PROVIDING CERTAIN
PENALTIES AND REPEALING ORDINANCE NO. 3749 – K. Salsbury
C. Approval to go out for bids for Cape Seal Project – B. Matkin
D. Discussion – City lake properties – B. Matkin
E. Discussion – Contractor Licensing – B. Matkin
F. Discussion – Condition of Horton Street – J. Dickman
2
X. Reports and Comments
Unapproved Minutes of the Ft. Scott City Commission on Jan. 20
CITY OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION MEETING
Minutes of January 20, 2026 Regular
Meeting
A meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held in the City Commission Meeting Room at City Hall,
123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas. The meeting was streamed live on YouTube.
The meeting was called to order at 6:00PM. Roll call was taken. Commissioners Matthew Wells, Tracy
Dancer, Tim Van Hoecke, Julie Buchta and Mayor Kathryn Salsbury were present.
In Attendance – Brad Matkin/City Manager, Bob Farmer/City Attorney, Lisa Lewis/City Clerk, Lisa
Dillon/Housing & Neighborhood Revitalization Coordinator, Jason Dickman/Earles Engineering &
Inspections LLC, Ben Hart/BakerTilly, Dave Bruner/FSFD Chief, Lindsay Madison/Chamber of
Commerce, Amanda Lancaster/DBB, Inc., and Gregg Motley/4th District Bourbon County Commissioner.
SALSBURY led the Pledge of Allegiance and BUCHTA said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City,
the Citizens, our Government and City officials.
Approval of Agenda
MOTION: DANCER moved to approve the agenda as presented. WELLS seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Consent Agenda – Amendment with addition of Item D
A. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1400-A – Expense Approval Report –
Payment Dates of January 1, 2026 – January 13, 2026 – $440,300.54
B. Approval of 2026 Cereal Malt Beverage (CMB) License For Consumption on the
Premises: Fifth Wheel Tavern – 206 N. Humbolt St., Fort Scott, KS 66701
C. Approval of 2026 Occupation License – Precious Metals Dealer – Hulberts Jewelry
LLC/Bartelsmeyer Jewelry – 22 N. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701
D. Approval of 2026 Occupation License – Precious Metals Dealer – Fort Scott Gun &
Pawn – 1402 E. Wall St., Fort Scott, KS 66701
E. Request to Pay – Earles Engineering & Inspection LLC – Invoice 18373 – EEI Project
No. 25-12 East National Phase I – Design – 60% Complete – $15,525.00
F. Approval of Minutes: Regular Meeting of January 6, 2026
G. December Financials
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to approve the amended Consent Agenda. SALSBURY
seconded. SALSBURY, BUCHTA, VAN HOECKE and DANCER voted yes. WELLS voted
no.
MOTION CARRIED 4-1.
Public Comment – No public comment.
Appearances –
Amanda Lancaster – 2024 Audit and Consideration to Approve Invoice 176143 – Certified Audit
of Records and Preparation of Audit Report for the Year Ended December 21, 2024 – $20,200.00
Minutes of January 20, 2026 Fort Scott City Commission Regular
Meeting
2
LANCASTER was delayed.
MOTION: DANCER moved to push item (7) down until Ms. Lancaster can make an
appearance before the Commission. SALSBURY seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Unfinished Business
Consideration of RESOLUTION NO. 8-2026 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF
THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS, ENDORSING PARTICIPATION IN THE KANSAS MAIN
STREET PROGRAM AND DESIGNATING THE LOCAL MAIN STREET ORGANIZATION –
Lindsay Madison
MOTION: WELLS motioned to move forward with the City’s version of the resolution, No. 8-
2026 with the inclusion of the City’s historic preservation committee as a signature on the
form. DANCER seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Consideration of RESOLUTION NO. 5-2026 A RESOLUTION FOR EXEMPTION FROM
GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRACTICES (GAAP) UNDER K.S.A. 1120A – Ben
Hart
Discussion was had about the differences between GAAP and Regulatory Cash Basis (KMAAG)
Audits and accounting procedures, fixed asset inventory and depreciation schedule. Greg Motley
contributed to the discussion.
VAN HOECKE requested a Point of Order and that Amanda Lancaster be allowed to make her
appearance before a vote is taken on the matter.
LANCASTER presented her results from the 2024 audit for the City of Fort Scott.
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to pay the invoice for DBB for $20,200.00 for our audit
report from year ended December 31, 2024. DANCER seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Further discussion was had regarding the possibility of doing a GAAP audit.
SALSBURY called the question.
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to approve Resolution No. 5-2026 A RESOLUTION FOR
EXEMPTION FROM GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRACTICES OR GAAP
UNDER K.S.A. 1120A. SALSBURY seconded. DANCER, SALSBURY, BUCHTA, and
VAN HOECKE voted yes. WELLS voted no.
MOTION CARRIED 4-1.
Minutes of January 20, 2026 Fort Scott City Commission Regular
Meeting
3
ACTION: HART will prepare a proposal for providing a depreciation schedule and the other
things that would meet the needs of the concerns expressed.
Consideration setting a date for a Budget Workshop with BakerTilly
Work Session set for April 21, 2026, at 5:00PM at City Hall before the Regular Commission
Meeting.
Consideration of RESOLUTION NO. 6-2026 RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE REPAIR OR
REMOVAL OF AN ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE AT 1403 E. OAK –
Tabled November 18, 2025, for (30) days – Previously presented as Resolution No. 37-2025
KRUGER reported that the owner is currently working on the house, but may have stopped for
the winter. The house is still open, but the foundation (footing and a concrete retaining wall) has
been laid. Work has been done, but it is still in a state of disrepair. He has faith that it will
eventually be completed.
MOTION: WELLS moved to table this again until such a time as Officer Kruger has an
opportunity to bring more information and leave it up to his discretion. DANCER seconded.
MOTION PASSED 5-0.
ACTION: KRUGER will reach out to the owner about closing up the structure and report back to
the Commission.
Status Reports on Pending Demolition Proceedings
1626 E. Pine – KRUGER stated the owner has completely cleaned up the property, painted the
house and are doing everything that he has asked them to do so far. He believes the progress
justifies removing the placard from the house.
1815 E. Oak – KRUGER stated that it was requested by a person of interest at the public
hearing, that he be given time to get the house in probate. However, he has been in and out of
jail since the time was granted. This person does not have any legal authority for the house but
had agreed to board up windows and doors but nothing has transpired. The neighbor expressed
interest in purchasing the property when it goes to the Land Bank. The owner is in arrears on
taxes. KRUGER requested that the Commission reconsider the hold they put on the house and
that it be brought back up for demolition.
MOTION: VAN HOECKE motioned to move forward with resolving the unsafe home that
was up for repair or removal at 1815 E. Oak. DANCER seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
New Business
Action Items:
Consideration of RESOLUTION NO. 7-2026 RESOLUTION AND NOTICE OF HEARING WITH
REFERENCE TO ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE(S) AT 406 S.
HORTON, FORT SCOTT, KS 66701
Minutes of January 20, 2026 Fort Scott City Commission Regular
Meeting
4
FARMER left the meeting 6:58PM
KRUGER reported that no taxes have been paid since 2021. He has been trying for over (1) year
to get the owner who lives in California to do maintenance on this house. It has been vacant and
currently the roof has started to cave in on the house and it needs to come down. He gave further
description of the condition of the house.
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to approve Resolution No. 7-2026 A RESOLUTION AND
NOTICE OF HEARING WITH REFERENCE TO ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS
STRUCTURE AT 406 S. HORTON. SALSBURY seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Consideration to purchase Water Truck
MATKIN requested the purchase of a water truck for asphalting. It is on the CIP. He presented
the comparables and recommended the model from Niece Products – 2022 demo model, 17,200
miles, $65,850.00 plus $1,000.00 credit toward a trade in for a piece of iron in the back of the
barn. A warranty is included.
FARMER returned to the meeting 7:01PM
MOTION: BUCHTA moved to approve the purchase of the water truck from Niece
Products with a thank you to Al Niece. VAN HOECKE seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Discussion to adopt International Building Code (IBC) 2018 – L. Dillon
DILLON requested that the City upgrade from 2012 to 2018 to increase their chances for grant
awards. Discussion was had regarding the differences between the (2) codes. The fire code
would be the biggest impact but the advantages or increasing our ISO has benefits such as
homeowners receiving better insurance rates. BRUNER explained the ISO rating. The next
evaluation for ISO will be in 2027. By upgrading the code, the hope is to bring the City’s ISO
down from the current (3). Grandfathering under 2018 applies if renovation is under 50%.
FARMER added that it is important to remain current. BRUNER explained that the state fire
marshal is headed toward adopting IBC 2024 in the near future, but legislation will take longer.
Reports and Comments
City Manager:
– GO Bond being discussed with GilmoreBell
– IT will be at the next meeting for an update
– Moody Building – for sale, still monitoring
– 118 E. Wall – for sale, no updates, time to consider moving forward
– February meetings – discuss Contractor Licenses and City Lake Properties.
City Engineer:
– E. National update – working on preliminary plans
– Wall Street traffic control plan in works
– Consider sludge removal this year
Minutes of January 20, 2026 Fort Scott City Commission Regular
Meeting
5
– Water/Sewer Rate analysis needed before budget season
– Pre-construction meeting for Davis Lift Station project – start date February 16, 2026
Commissioner Wells:
– KDOT agreement for HWY54
– Fitness park timetable
– County moratorium for industrial and commercial business status
–
Commissioner Van Hoecke:
– City Clerk to put December 2, 2025 minutes on website
– 118 E. Wall – ready to move forward for resolution
– Cold weather awareness
Commissioner Dancer:
– Comments on accounting and demands for GAAP audit
– 911 outage question
– Hay bale obstacle course
Commissioner Buchta:
– Timken and Valu buildings update – appreciate City’s persistence
– Comments on GAAP audit
Commissioner Salsbury:
– Working on Ordinance 3793 – put on next agenda
– Cold weather awareness
Adjourn
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:33PM. DANCER seconded.
JANUARY 20, 2026, MEETING ADJOURNED AT 7:33PM.
Submitted by Lisa A. Lewis/City Clerk
Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson
January 30, 2026
The third week of the session was very unusual. It started with fast tracking House Substitute for Senate Bill (SB) 244 that requires every multi-person restroom, locker room, changing room, or shower in a public building to be designated for use by only one biological sex, with narrow exceptions for emergencies, maintenance, and children under 9. It also redefines “gender” to mean biological sex at birth, renders any birth certificate or driver license gender marker issued before July 1, 2026, that conflicts with that definition invalid, and obliges the state to issue corrective notices and new documents. Violations by governmental entities would attract civil penalties ranging from $25,000 to $125,000 per day, while individuals could face fines and misdemeanor charges. It was frustrating to lawmakers who were concerned with the way the bill was worked. The core grievance was that the legislature bypassed the usual committee hearings and moved the bill straight to the floor, leaving many feeling the process was rushed. It passed both chambers with a supermajority and is on its way to the Governor’s desk. The Senate voted 30 to 9. I voted yes.
Illegal Aliens, a person who is unlawfully present in the United States, would be blocked from receiving state or local taxpayer funded benefits, including in-state tuition discounts at post-secondary schools. It also amends criminal procedure law to require immigration status verification for noncitizen defendants and creates a rebuttable presumption that an illegal alien is a flight risk when setting appearance bonds. There was an attempt to remove the in-state tuition during floor debate. The amendment failed. SB 254 passed the Senate 30 to 9. I voted yes. The bill is on its way to the House.
Charlie Kirk Free Speech Day October 14, Mr. Kirk’s birthday, will be recognized each year as free speech day if SCR 1615 passes the House. SCR 1615 also condemns the assassination of Charlie Kirk and offers condolences to his family. It urges the Governor to join the Legislature in marking the day and encourages Kansans to celebrate by exercising free speech and civil discourse. I voted yes with a final vote in the Senate 30 to 8, sending it to the House.
Trafficking and sexual‑exploitation laws would be tightened, with all fines sent to the state victim assistance fund if CCR 2347 becomes law. The measure would also expand the “criminal use of a financial card” to cover unauthorized, altered, or stolen gift card information by imposing steep penalties. It also would make it unlawful to use a laser pointer to harm a person. It passed the Senate 39 to 0 and the House 119 to 4. It’s anticipated that the Governor will sign CCR 2347 into law.
It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.
Caryn
FSCC Trustees Meet For A Special Meeting Today at Noon
FORT SCOTT COMMUNITY COLLEGE
BOARD OF TRUSTEES SPECIAL MEETING
ELLIS FINE ARTS BUILDING, DUBAC MEETING ROOM
FEBRUARY 02, 2026 – 12:00 P.M.
PUBLIC AGENDA
1.0 CALL MEETING TO ORDER
1.1 Roll Call of Trustees
___Bailey___Brown___Cosens___Hoyt___McKinnis___Ropp
2.0 FLAG SALUTE & INVOCATION
3.0 RESOLUTION 26-04 (ACTION)
A RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE CALL FOR THE EXERCISE OF A PURCHASE OPTION UNDER A CERTAIN LEASE PURCHASE AGREEMENT AND THE REDEMPTION OF CERTAIN OUTSTANDING CERTIFICATES OF PARTICIPATION.
4.0 ENTER EXECUTIVE SESSION – PERSONNEL MATTERS (ACTION)
5.0 EXIT EXECUTIVE SESSION – PERSONNEL MATTERS & RETURN TO OPEN SESSION (INFORMATION)
6.0 ADJOURN (ACTION)
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports Feb. 2
FSHS Hosts Cancer Awareness Week Starts Feb. 6
Fort Scott High School is hosting a Cancer Awareness Week to raise awareness, honor cancer fighters and survivors, and support cancer related causes through school wide activities and fundraising. The week will include both a community event and daily student involvement at the high school.
Cancer Awareness Week is intended to be educational, meaningful, and engaging. It reminds students and the community of the impact cancer has on so many lives and how collective action, even small contributions, can make a difference. Cancer Awareness Week is being organized and led by Fort Scott High School Junior Allie Wards, with support from FSHS staff and administration. FSHS clubs assisting Wards with the event include Community Empowerment, Zero Reasons Why, and Key Club.
The following events are planned:
Friday, February 6th – Cancer Awareness Week will begin with a Miracle Minute at a home basketball game at FSHS. During this minute, attendees will be invited to donate in support of cancer awareness and related causes. The event will also include recognition of cancer fighters and survivors to honor those affected by cancer.
Monday, February 9th – Friday, February 13th – Throughout the week at Fort Scott High School, students will participate in simple awareness activities designed to educate, encourage compassion, and build community support.
Monday: Students will write encouraging notes to cancer patients and their families.These notes will be donated to Care to Share who will help distribute them.
Tuesday: A large poster will be displayed for students to sign reading: “I stand with cancer fighters because…” students will be encouraged to write their personal reasons and messages of support.
Wednesday: A school wide Google form will be shared with students containing some cancer awareness questions. Students will also vote for songs to be used later in the week during a special fundraising event.
Thursday: Students will receive temporary tattoos and are encouraged to take photos wearing them and post on Instagram, tagging @fshscancerawareness to help spread awareness beyond the school.
Friday: The week will conclude with a school assembly. Throughout the week, students are donating money under specific teachers’ names. The top teachers with the highest total donations by Thursday afternoon will participate in a karaoke performance during the assembly. They will sing the top 3 songs chosen by students and wear costumes selected from the FSHS Theatre costume wardrobe. At the assembly, FSHS will present Care to Share with all funds raised throughout the week.
# # #
Grin Like a Possum by Carolyn Tucker
Keys to the Kingdom
By Carolyn Tucker
Grin Like a Possum
(I know the proper spelling is “opossum” but I’m choosing the Southern spelling.) When I was in sixth grade, our music teacher would roll the piano into our room and we would sing, sing, sing; I loved music class! We had a variety of songs in our book and the teacher would often let us choose what we wanted to sing. I remember singing about a possum: “Possum gravy can’t be beat, hi-a-way, hi-a-way home.” I’ve never had possum gravy, so I have no idea if it’s the best – I’ll just take the songwriter’s word for it! I’ve seen a possum bare its teeth and it looks like a big grin – a very ugly big grin.
For humans, what’s in a smile? Well, a smile is an affordable way to instantly improve our looks! A smile is a natural heartlift for the person who sees it. There are unspoken words in a smile, e.g., “You’re valuable,” “You’re appreciated,” “You’re doing a good job,” etc. My mom once told me, “Smile at people – it costs you nothing.”
A cheerful heart brings a smile to your face, a sad heart makes it hard to get through the day” (Proverbs 15:13 MSG). When we smile at people, I think it actually helps them get through their day. When I accidentally nearly run over someone with my grocery cart, I’m hopeful that my apology and smile helps them to forgive me. (There’s a blind spot when I’m turning from one aisle to the next – I need a horn and a turn signal on my cart!)
Our countenance is important because it affects us, plus those who see our face. “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength” (Proverbs 17:22 NLT). If you think you have nothing to smile about, think again. “Why are you down in the dumps, dear soul? Why are you crying the blues? I fix my eyes on God and soon I’ll be praising again. He puts a smile on my face. He’s my God” (Psalm 42:5 MSG). And remember that your smile is not about you, it’s about the person with whom you’re interacting. We need to smile for the other individual’s benefit; no doubt he/she could use it to brighten the corner of their world.
In the movie Top Gun Maverick, there’s a short dialogue between Captain Maverick and the Chief Warrant Officer Bernie Coleman. Right before takeoff for the test flight to hit Mac 10, Bernie says to Maverick, “I don’t like that look, man.” Maverick retorts, “It’s the only one I got.”
I sure like the look on Robin’s face when I see her twice a week. When I walk into the reception area of the fitness center, she flashes her big beautiful smile and makes me feel welcome and loved. Her instant nonverbal message says, “It’s good to see you; I’m glad you’re here!” What a big difference her genuine smile makes to everyone’s day! I just realized why she looks 20 years younger than her actual age – it’s because she smiles a lot! It takes more muscles to frown than smile, so Robin is living proof that’s true because she doesn’t have any wrinkles!
The Key: Do yourself and everyone else a big favor – smile!