“Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs it down, but a good (encouraging) word makes it glad.” (Proverbs 12:25 AMP)
Not about to talk about Spring cleaning, yard sprucing, or switching your seasonal wardrobes from one spacious closet to the other. (This should be in small print and quickly: The latter note about seasonal wardrobes and alluding to having more than one spacious closet does not usually apply to the man of the house. Or so I have heard.) This meditation is not about the approaching summer holidays, academic achievement celebrations, all you can eat gatherings, er I mean awesome cookouts, or annual small-town festivals. It is about something that some will not need much of a reminder, only a nudge for some. For others, they may need more than a nudge. You know what they say, “If the shoe fits….”
Do you remember a couple of years ago I told you about a middle school student who provided every single teacher with which she crossed paths in the hallway, the lunchroom, while walking to her bus and I highlighted how she provided erudite educators with a compliment daily? She was genuine and generated smiles from their faces that were at times, understandably at the end of a challenging day, perplexed and presumably, based on their faces, tired as all get out prior to the student complimenting them. Well that was a couple of years ago, so I have to remind you about this student again, along with the lesson she taught by her actions. It’s that time again! What time is it? It’s not game time! Please read on!
It’s time for us to practice the art of giving compliments to others. It’s time to put away snide remarks, spiteful comments that are smartly wrapped up in the shape of questions. Enclosed in such questions is a snippet of subtle sarcasm. It’s time to suppress the tendency to shoot others down with a criticism, just so you can stand up figuratively, seemingly higher, while simultaneously you overlook any criticism of self, suggesting that you yourself have areas of improvement; areas of improvement that stay shutdown in the subconscious or they are told to shut up consciously.
It’s that time again! And I’m serious when I say, “It’s that time!” Here is what I want you to do. Write down the name of 3-5 people who you normally do not talk to and call them to say “Hello!” After your uplifting greeting, give that person a compliment and then say, “That’s all I wanted. I just had to tell you what was on my mind.” Be as proactive and positively sincere as the middle school student with the compliments you give out. You be genuine too! Caution: Don’t use meaningless words to flatter or fast talk yourself to an outcome you desire.
Wait! I’ not done! And you’re not done! No! No! No! Wait a minute, you are not getting off that easy. Since it is that time again, try passing on compliments with everyone you come into contact with today. Don’t let the tempter take control of your tongue or your fast typing fingers as you text, not by any of the deceitful means he might employ. Compliment! Know that compliments go a long way in building up one’s self-esteem and in fostering a feeling of self-worth. As a side benefit, you will feel better too! Have a great day! My compliments to you by the way, for reading and responding to this meditation. Be blessed!
“I can live two months on a good compliment.” (Mark Twain)
Still committed to the climb,
Mark L. King