2:162 – Guess What? You’re Doing A Great Job

#faithbites #faithjourney job

I was sitting in the airport, watching these two young girls playing with their dad. He was using their watch as an earring, making jokes. They we’re crawling on him, messing with his hair, braiding it, and just having a good time. After a while, I walked up to him and said “As one dad to another, I think you are doing a great job”. I talked for a bit with the family and said, “Now, I have the ultimate question. Do your daughters, do your toe nails?”. He took off his shoe and shocks and showed me his glittery toes. Then one of his daughters offered to do mine.

He seemed to appreciate me saying that. I was a bit apprehensive to say anything, but figured why not. How many times do we not say what we feel to those we love, let alone folks we meet in public?

Scripture

• Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. – Romans 15:2
• Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it. – Proverbs 3:27

Reflection

As I heard over and over at this conference, we are social creatures. We are made to live with each other, and hopefully, in harmony with one another. We should praise and build each other up. Instead, much of what we see is tearing down of one another.

What benefit do we get in tearing each other down? What if we instead, just praised and built each other up? Most times we know what we are doing wrong, but often we don’t know that what we are doing right us meaningful.

If we want to follow Christ’s command to love your neighbor, praising them when you see things you want to emulate is a good way to start.

Charge

Tell someone how you feel. This isn’t constructive feedback, but rather showing your appreciation for something they did. Be specific. You will never know how that may impact their lives.

Prayer

Lord, thank you for the wonderful examples in life you give us. Help us to tell those who impact our lives, how we feel. Take away any fear in approaching a stranger and speak through us. Remind us how good it feels to be complimented and how wonderful it is to share that with someone else. I also pray for safe travels and reunions with new friends and old acquaintances. In your name, Amen.