|
It is important that we show our appreciation for those who mean the most
to us. Many times we get so use to a person that we don't realize they
still need our words of recognition, praise and appreciation. We shouldn't
take one another for granted and think they will always be there. Life is
very short and unpredictable and we should never leave any doubt in their
mind about how we see and feel about them. Doing simple things like
recognizing a deed well done or showing appreciation for some initiative
can do so much to affirm and strengthen our relationships. It may only
take us a few seconds to give a word of thanks or praise, but to the
recipient it will be thought upon the whole day or maybe that whole week.
People love to know they are appreciated, but many times we get so busy
with our daily routines that we fail to show our love and care towards
those whom we love the most.
It is for this reason that we should be conscious to what we are saying
and doing with our loved ones. Are we lifting them up and letting them
know how special they are to us? Are we giving them the recognition they
deserve for a job well done? Are we encouraging them to strive for
excellence in areas that they are lacking? We should always do so in a
caring way, not in a demeaning manner, but rather in an uplifting and
reaffirming manner letting them know that they can achieve greatness no
matter what. By acting in love, our relationships will be strengthened
and those who mean the most to us will know that we appreciate them, love
them with all of our heart and want only the best for them. We may
already have those feelings, but if we don't make them known, then it will
be pointless. It is like loving someone so much, but never taking the
time to let them know about our love. It is in making our love known that
love is shared, nurtured and blossoms for years to come.
Be encouraged to take the initiative to lift up, encourage and praise those
around you who mean the most to you. Let them know of the gifts, talents
and abilities that set them apart from everyone else. Brag on them in
front of their friends and make known how special they are. By showing
these types of simple acts of love, our relationships with our loved ones
are strengthened and they are shown how highly we think of them.
I hope this message inspires and challenges your heart to take special
interest in lifting up those who mean the most to you and are deserving of
praise.
NUDGING WITHOUT NAGGING
We've all been there. We want to encourage a child to do her homework, or
a spouse to complete his project, or a colleague to complain less and act
more. How can we encourage without criticizing, berating or pushing too
hard?
Here are three techniques that can help you nudge without nagging.
* Show appreciation.
Novelist Arnold Bennett had a publisher who boasted about the extraordinary
efficiency of his secretary. One day while visiting the publisher's
office, Bennett asked her: “Your boss claims you're extremely efficient.
What's your secret?”
“It's not my secret,” said the assistant, “it's his.” She went on to tell
him that her boss always acknowledged and appreciated everything she did,
regardless how insignificant. That was why she worked so hard for him. Her
boss' appreciation nudged her toward constant improvement.
* If possible, keep it light-hearted.
The careful use of humor can work in any relationship where nudging may be
required. One wife used it effectively when she found herself on the verge
of nagging her husband to repair the lawn mower. He had promised to fix
it, but the grass grew ever taller while he procrastinated.
Then one day he came home and found her seated on the ground snipping
grass with sewing scissors, one blade at a time. He watched in amazement
and then went into the house. When he returned, he handed her a
toothbrush. “Honey,” he said, “when you finish cutting the grass would you
mind sweeping the sidewalks?”
They both laughed. And, more importantly, the mower was fixed.
* Be polite and respectful.
Sometimes it's more about how you say it than what you say. People respond
best when they are respected and valued.
Elizabeth Harrison stated, “Those who are lifting the world upward and
onward are those who encourage more than criticize.” Try these simple
techniques next time you want to nudge without nagging.
By Steve Goodier
Read and meditate on these scriptures:
Colossians 3:16-17 “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all
wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and
spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And
whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks to God and the Father by Him.”
James 1:22-25 “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving
your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is
like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth
himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man
he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth
therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man
shall be blessed in his deed.”
Galatians 5:13-14 “For brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use
not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.
For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love
thy neighbour as thyself.”
All of these scriptures can be found in the King James Version Bible.
Today's Selected Poem: WISE WORDS
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/enpoem109.htm
Today's Selected Testimony: GOD'S ALIVE AND WELL
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/testimony34.htm
In Christ’s Service,
Dwayne Savaya
God’s Work Ministry |
