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It is a good thing to let those who have positively impacted our life know
that they are greatly appreciated. Many times people become discouraged
and feel unappreciated because they don't receive the recognition and
praise that they deserve and they think the work they're doing is all in
vain. What we must realize is that just as we would like to receive kind
words and recognition for the work we're doing, so it is with others
around us. We can take an extra 5 minutes out of our time to write an
e-mail or stand with a coworker to let them know what a great job they are
doing. It may be a simple thing for us, but it can make a great impact on
someone who is having a down day. (Matthew 12:35-37) (James 1:27)
As children of the Lord, let us take the initiative to lift people up,
change their outlook and let them know how special they really are.
People are used to being pulled down, but if we can have our way, let us
lift them up. Be encouraged to do something nice for someone in your
home, at your job, in your church or wherever it may be needed. By giving
people a little boost of encouragement, you will be making an impact that
will never be forgotten. Start making that impact today. (Luke 6:31)
I hope this message inspires and challenges your heart to always speak
kindly of others. There are enough people in the world pulling others
down, but let us as God's children be determined to only lift others up.
BEHIND THEIR BACKS
Talking behind someone's back is considered rude and mean.
People say nasty things! Gossip, even slander. All kinds of criticism from
looks, to work habits, to their personality.
The other day at lunch I was part of a whole group of colleagues, and we
were talking behind our boss's back. She's the new principal of our middle
school. It's her first year as our boss, though she was “one of us” for
some years. Pretty awkward position! And we had quite a lot to say.
We talked about how kind she is to us. She hand writes notes to wish us
happy holidays, or to thank us for jobs well done. She checks on us when
she knows we're facing difficulties outside of school with our health or
with our families. We talked about the good role model she is for the young
women in our building. The fair but firm way she treats students and parents.
All this as she is replacing another well-respected boss. His shoes were
hard to fill, and we talked about the fine job she's doing.
I thought about that after lunch was finished and we had gone our separate
ways. Sometimes we have the good fortune to be part of another kind of
“talking behind their backs.” All too often, when we talk NICE behind
someone's back, they never know about it!
I sent her a quick email to report the conversation. She replied saying
how much she appreciated hearing about it, how it made a bright spot in a
tough week of testing and a death in her family.
I've done the same after such chats about the wonderful custodian we all
adore. We often talk about how lucky we are to have her, but she's here
after many of us are gone for the day. She was delighted to hear it when I
told her that so many teachers are singing her praises.
When I overheard conversations about the retirement of our superintendent
-- an announcement that was met with sadness -- I thought he should know
how we felt. So I made sure he did.
I'm guessing a boss must be pleased to hear that his employees are sorry
to hear he's leaving and that they respected him and appreciated the job
he's done. Cards and emails are great, but maybe it's just extra
heartwarming to know that kind words are being said even “behind your back.”
I like to do the same for my students. Of course I give them my own
compliments, but I love to let them know when other adults have noticed
their good behavior and attitudes. I want them to know that we aren't
spending our lunch and meeting times complaining about them ALL the time!
I want them to know that we often express our pleasure in working with
this particular group of kids, and I want them to know why!
I beam when someone notices how my teenage grandchildren are turning into
such fine young people. Then it's absolutely necessary to let THEM know it
too! I want them to know that people notice them, and that it matters when
what they notice is good and praiseworthy.
I've known from the other side how much this can mean. I often lack
confidence in my own abilities as a teacher, so it gave me quite a lift
when a friend who works with families in the community mentioned that he
has heard several times from parents how glad they are to have their kids
in my class. It just feels more important somehow to have the words said
by people who don't know I'll ever hear them -- when they can be totally
honest. Great to hear it. And great to share!
Sure, it's pleasant when we can say nice things about other people. It
feels good! And I think it's a special compliment for people to know of
the times when others are saying nice things even out of ear shot.
Watch for your next opportunity to be the reporter! Make sure to tell them
about the nice things being said behind their backs! Because how will they
know unless we tell them?
By Beth Fryer
Read and meditate on these scriptures:
Matthew 12:35-37 Jesus declares “A good man out of the good treasure of the
heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure
bringeth forth evil things. But I say unto you, That every idle word that
men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the Day of Judgment.
For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be
condemned.”
Philippians 2:2-3 “Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same
love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife
or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than
themselves.”
Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever
things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure,
whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if
there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”
All of these scriptures can be found in the King James Version Bible.
Today's Selected Poem: BE CAREFUL OF WHAT YOU SAY
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/inpoem168.htm
Today's Selected Testimony: THE LIGHTNING STORM
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/testimony60.htm
In Christ’s Service,
Dwayne Savaya
God’s Work Ministry |
