Solomon was dead on the money when he said "An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up." (Proverbs 12:25) If all of us could learn to speak a kind word, what a difference it would make in people's lives.
Sunday after worship, one of our youngest members came up to me with a note she had written. It said the sweetest, kindest things. It was short, to the point, and as refreshing as rain. I figured, in part, she was being overly kind. It's how her parents have taught her to be. But it sure felt good, nonetheless. Thanks for the sweet note. I'm hanging on to it, so I can read it again the next time somebody tells me how sorry I am. I'm going to tell myself, "unuh, my friend, Ashleigh, said I was smart, cool and funny. And I believe her, not you. In fact, if she wasn't going to be an engineer, she'd be a pastor like me.
Why don't we all try it for a few days. Tell your bag boy how much you appreciate him. Be especially kind to your waitress. Tell the guy at the drive through - "Man, you have a tough job. I bet it's hard to hear through that headset, but you do a fine job." Tell your doctor or dentist, "It's obvious, you really do care about your patients." Tell the guy who fixes your roof, car, plumbing, etc., "man, am I glad God gifted people like you, to help take care of people like me who aren't too handy with tools. I'd don't know what I'd do without you." Write a school teacher this summer when there's nothing to be gained from it and tell her/him how much you appreciate all they did for you or your child during the previous year. You will be amazed how much difference your words of encouragement can make.