Proverbs 16:24

Proverbs 16:23 - "Kind words are like honey, sweet to the soul and healthy for the body." 

Compliments are always wonderful. They're even sweeter when they're unexpected or come at a time when I'm feeling especially downtrodden.

Lately, I've been feeling exhausted. Blame it on the middle of the semester blues, blame it on a busy work schedule, blame it on a looming graduation, whatever. I'm struggling to get through the week by Wednesday and often the weekend isn't nearly long enough to recharge me. But, you know what helps me push through? People telling me they've noticed I'm working hard. People mentioning I my outfit is killer or my jokes are hilarious. (Mostly because they often are!) I don't need grand gestures, I just need encouragement.

Crazy coincidence: As I was reading this morning, a sheriff came into my office. He was talking to my boss and casually mentioned how great he thought her business was and how important her job was to the hurting people in our community. She also thanked him for his service and let him know he was appreciated by us as well. After he left, she simply said, "I really needed that today." I don't know what's going on in her life. Here's what I do know. I missed the opportunity to be that encouragement to my boss because I was so wrapped up in my own worries. I was longing for someone to give me kind words, that I completely overlooked giving someone else some honey. Shame.

It feels like our culture has become so self-centered and self-serving that we have forgotten that other people are hurting. Others are struggling. In the same way we long for a compliment, others do too. It's so easy to make someone's day:

• Flash a smile.
• Say thank you.
• Tell someone you appreciate their hard work.
• Compliment someone's hair or clothes or bag (or whatever you notice but often forget to mention).
• Pay for someone's coffee in line behind you.
• Say I love you.
• Hold the door open for someone.
• Give a wave when someone lets you in their lane during rush hour.
• ETC ETC ETC ETC ETC ETC ETC ETC

Even the smallest gestures can warm a heart and heal the soul.

My goal is to keep this verse at the forefront of my mind and stop being so selfish with my compliments. I'm not the only one who has bad days; we're all in this together.

Thanks, God, for kind words and a open hearts to receive them.