And a voice came from the heavens, saying, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:17
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With a failing septic leach field on our hands, I went to the Town Planning Board this week, desperately hoping they had the schematics for our system. When they did, I was almost giddy with relief. After the guy photo-copied the plans, and did so to include the scale, I gushed in gratitude: “Ooh! You even included the scale! Nice job!”
He seemed surprised and taken aback by my praise. Then he asked me, “Are you a teacher or something? Is that why you said, ‘Nice job?'”
It struck me as sad that he wasn’t used to being complimented, and actually questioned my motive.
I know, as adults, we’re supposed to find affirmation and self-worth within. But isn’t it nice to get a sincere compliment now and again? We all have bad days, even bad seasons in our lives. When someone praises us for something we’ve done, it can lift the clouds for a bit and let the sun shine through.
In Matthew 3:13-17, after John the Baptist baptizes Jesus, the Heavens part and the voice of God says, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” I think it would have been sufficient for God to just declare Jesus as His Son. It’s safe to say everyone would have assumed He approved. Yet, God goes a step further and says He’s “well pleased” with Jesus.
I believe God did so because, despite being divine, Jesus was human too. The human side of everyone likes to be affirmed. When we are, we’re inspired to do more, to be more.
Life can be hard, whether it’s filled with difficult challenges, or just the drudgery of the mundane. A kind word or a sincere compliment can go a long way in carrying us through.
In a world where so many are quick to slam and slander, or give a bad review or rating, wouldn’t it be nice to turn the tide and join the campaign to compliment? Despite their power, words don’t cost us a cent. Let’s all make a concrete effort to use ours for the good, and brighten at least one person’s world each and every day.
Questions for Reflection:
* Am I as quick to compliment as I am to critique?
* Can I make it a point to sincerely compliment at least one person each day?
Shifting My Perspective 
It is amazing how a simple smile and kind word can affect others. Just approaching a person on the street, who looks worried or sad, with a pleasant smile or “Good Morning” can bring about a smile on their face–just a small gesture with a big pay-off!! Kindness does bring it’s own reward! Love this post, Claire, and love how you use every day experiences as inspirations for your blog! xoxo
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Thanks so much, Mom! I do find there are lessons everywhere, even in the crappy situations (get the pun?)!
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There’s nothing quite like The Golden Rule: Treat others as you would like to be treated! Nice job of passing it on Claire!
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Thanks so much, Deb! So wonderful to have you reading and commenting. Having known you for decades, I know you’ve always valued recognizing others. That’s just one of the many pleasures of knowing you!
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You’ve struck a note here, Claire, with a belief and practice that is dear to me. Even at the expense of being judged as a flatterer, I love to notice and compliment every working person I meet each day for their fine and essential service to me … from the gas station worker, to the bank teller, to the grocery employee, to the post office worker, for example. I’ve always told my junior classes in high school to remember, there are no menial jobs out there. Each one, no matter how seemingly lowly, deserves our deepest respect and gratitude, expressed with sincerity when we notice how carefully and consistently they perform a service for us that we could never do. And my reward is seeing the look of gratitude on each face as they receive my compliment!!! I loved too, how you reminded us that Jesus, so human, needed compliments as each of us do every so often. So,without being phony, let’s keep those compliments coming as each opportunity to uplift a worker arrives !!!
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Amen to that, Jackie! I love that you’re already on the Complimenting Campaign, and seem to be a strong leader for it. Thank you for all the ways you grace others with your gratitude and sincerity!
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Hello Claire
I have been visiting your blog for awhile. It’s so lovely!
What I learnt was that giving a compliment can actually change a person’s life. I challenge you to take the time today to try to change a life via giving a compliment as well.
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Thanks so much for reading and commenting! It’s great to hear you’re part of the Campaign for Compliments and you’re spreading joy. Thank you for making people’s days brighter!
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