I was told today that I am beautiful. These are not words I take lightly, nor are
they words I give freely, so to receive them from someone I had just met was an
incredible gift. I have learned that the
best response to flattery is simply to say, “Thank you!” And so I did.
I did not doubt or question it internally, and I also did not allow my
ego to blow up, even though it may seem like that is what I am doing here.
I tell this story because I think we often forget the impact
a few words can make on someone. So many
comments made about and to others are negative, and we begin to believe the
negativity we are fed. To have someone
pay a complement, unexpected, unsolicited and sincere can change the outlook of
both the giver and receiver. It was
different than a hug. It was different
because it was from a near stranger. It
was special because it was different.
Perhaps when I look in the mirror tonight as I wash my face and brush my
teeth I will see what she saw.
Perhaps, the next time I see beauty in someone I will tell
them.
Dear God, a complement, a few simple words, made an impact
in the way I looked at the world for a few hours. Someone gave me the opportunity to feel
special, and I am thankful. Let me see
more beauty in others and in the world around me. Give me confidence to tell others about the
beauty I see within them and around them.
Thank you for giving me this person on this day with this gift. Amen.