Jun 16, 2008
Who are you pushing around?
No, it’s not what you think. Sure, we can push people around. We can push people aside. We can even push people down. But, what I am asking is, “who is it that you are pushing up?” Are you believing in someone? Are you encouraging someone?
“Flatter me, and I may not believe you. Criticize me, and I may not like you. Ignore me, and I may not forgive you. Encourage me, and I will not forget you.” - William Arthur Ward
I have been blessed in that I have had so many instances in my life where someone else has encouraged me and pushed me up. An encouraging word works wonders. Good thoughts are great, but they don’t go anywhere. Give someone the simple gift of good words of encouragement and there is no limit to where they can go.
So encourage someone today. Be a push-upper.
Jun 10, 2008
I firmly believe that it is in our basic nature to be helpful.
When we see someone in our homes, families, or communities that need help, it is our natural instinct to want to reach out and lend a hand. When we help each other rise up individually we help the entire community rise up. So what is it about our societal influences that shunt our helpful natures? At what point did we get burned?
One of the the childhood jokes I remember goes like this: A kid dials 411. the operator answers and says, “Information, what listing please?” The kids says, “Hi, what time is it?” To which the operator snorts, “This is information, directory assistance, we don’t give the time. That’s a different number!” The kid shrugs and answers innocently, “Well, don’t you have a watch?”
It’s not the funniest joke in the world, but it teaches some lessons about being helpful. Are we so focused on “the task at hand” that we lose sight of what it is that our brother, neighbor, or customers really need? I urge you to take a moment to reflect on your relationships at work, school, and in your families, and try to find ways to truly be helpful.
