“There is no effect more disproportionate to its cause than the happiness bestowed by a small compliment.” Robert Brault
So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. Matthew 7:12
Blandishment: “a flattering or pleasing statement or action used to persuade someone gently to do something” New Oxford American Dictionary
Do you know the power of a compliment? One day a teacher had her students write a compliment about every other student in the class. Over the weekend the teacher wrote on a separate sheet of paper for each student the compliments they received and gave them to the respective children the next week. She was surprised to see the joy it brought to the kids and was impressed by the success of the exercise. However, I don't think even she knew the impact of those compliments. Years later that same teacher found herself eulogizing one of those students after he had died in the Vietnam war. Following the funeral she was approached by the soldiers parents who showed her something they thought she would be interested in. It was the note of compliments he received in school, and it was with him when he died. It had been folded and refolded, taped and repaired, and worn thin after years of use. By this time, other alumni from the soldiers class gathered round and shared with her their own stories on how important those notes were to each one of them. They all either carried their compliments with them at all times or kept them in a cherished place. That's the power of a compliment. What we say and do to others can last a lifetime. Let's make sure that the lifelong impression we make is a good and kind one.
For a longer version of the story by Gayle Shemezis I encourage you to visit http://www.all-creatures.org/stories/thepower.html
Daily Journaling Questions:
How did I help someone in kindness today?
What did I learn today?
What am I thankful for?
Who did I love today?
What am I dreaming of?
What about today do I want to remember forever?
What are my goals for tomorrow?
Thanks for reading.
Jake
YOU ARE READING
Daily Self Growth Journal Pt. III
Non-FictionThis is the third in a series of interactive journals designed to help people grow personally, spiritually, and possibly even professionally. There is a daily message that contains a motivational quote, a Bible verse, a vocabulary word, and a messa...
