I can live for two months on a good compliment -Mark twain
I didn't realize just how bad I was at accepting compliments until a friend recently pointed out my flaw to me. She had complimented me on something -- I can't remember what -- but I remember my response: I laughed, or said something to counter the compliment and brush it off. And she said: "You need to learn to accept compliments graciously".
But she was right! The encouraging voices of others get drowned out by the critical voice in our own mind.
Compliments are a mood enhancer not only for the recipient, but also for me. It feels great to sincerely affirm others! Problem is . . . when it's my turn to receive a compliment, I fumble, awkwardly searching for the right, sincere, humble response. And in the meantime, I may leave them feeling embarrassed for having brought me the compliment.
Experts say the proper response to any compliment is: THANK YOU. But I've always had problems giving short responses to anything. And a simple "Thank you!" seems so . . . . . inadequate!
Offering a genuine, heartfelt, sincere compliment to someone has never been difficult for me. I am surrounded by many people who do great things, and I don't ever want to take them for granted. So I try to I give genuine compliments freely & generously. If I am so willing to go out of my way to share a genuine compliment, I should work on learning to be just as kind in accepting a compliment.
It's time for us to re-think our responses to these well-meaning friends by acknowledging their praise graciously. Or, you may leave others feeling 'put down'.
I know . . . . I never looked at it that way before either!
Remember their compliment is their gift to you.
Graciously accept it!
A BIG SMILE AND HEART-FELT "THANK YOU" COVERS IT ALL!
Please pray for Israel's leaders and that God would give them wisdom in dealing with the threats they face along their borders and beyond. |
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