Why Do Babies Smile?

I was at an event seated behind a young family with an infant. I couldn’t help but notice the interaction between a dad and little boy. This baby was just old enough to begin smiling, and you could tell he was new at it. He stared at his father’s face just waiting to make eye contact and every time his father looked down, the corners of the infant’s mouth curved up. Over and over I saw that baby go from smiling to staring to smiling and staring again. When his father was looking up, the baby just stared at daddy’s face, waiting for him to make eye contact again. When dad looked down at his child, the baby grinned. He seemed to crave a connection with the man and he knew he would get it by smiling.Babies learn this very early in life. They get added attention and affection when they smile (they get it when when they cry, too, which is all the more reason to give more attention for smiling than for crying). Anyway, children have an innate desire to connect with other people. It’s something God created us all with a craving for. We were created to be social beings and God takes joy in our bonding with each other.That’s one of the reasons He founded the Church. God did not send His Son only to save you. He sent Jesus to procure a family! He wants you to be part of His family, which is what the Church is, God’s family. The Bridge exists to connect people with God AND to connect people with people.That’s why we often say, “Church is not a spectator event." Going to church is a weekly family function to honor The Father together. It’s also why we often say, “Everyone in the church should be in a group.” It’s in the context of small groups where relationships are formed and family bonds are fortified. And it's why we say, “Every Christian should have a place of service in the church." Being part of the family means serving others and sharing in the family chores, alongside our siblings.Like that little boy seeking to connect with his daddy, you’ve been created with an inborn need to relate with other people. Jesus established His church to fulfill that need. So come on, be part of the family. Be faithful in attending every weekend. Join a group. And get involved in a ministry where you can love and serve others. That’s what the church is all about!