A little boy said to his father, "Let's play darts. I'll throw the darts and you say, `Wonderful!'"
Here is a boy who was not afraid to ask for the encouragement he needs. Maybe we all have something to learn from him!
Inspirational author and educator, Fr. Brian Cavanaugh, relates a story about the devastating effects of discouragement. Dante Gabriel Rossetti, the famous 19th Century poet and artist, was once approached by an elderly man who asked him to look at a few of his sketches and drawings.
The gentleman wanted to know if the artist thought they were of any value.
As gently as possible, Rossetti told the man that the sketches were of no value and showed little talent. He apologized for the harsh assessment but said that he believed he should be honest.
The visitor was disappointed but asked the artist if he could take a look at just a few more, which were all done by a young art student. Rossetti looked over the second batch of sketches and immediately became enthusiastic over the talent they revealed. "These," he
said, "oh, these are good." He went on to say that the young student shows much promise and should be given every help and encouragement, as he may have a great future if he will study and work hard.
The old man was deeply moved. Rossetti asked, "Who is this fine, young artist? Your son?"
"No," replied the visitor sadly. "It is I - forty years ago. If only I had heard your praise then. For you see, I became discouraged and gave up too soon."
Mother Teresa wisely said, "Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless." Sometimes it may be enough to just say, "Wonderful!"
Your Life Support
~ Steve Goodier
You know Linda.....the opposite is true too. Words of discouragement can make us want to crawl under the covers and hide. No matter how passionate we are about our life and self confident in our own talent we are if someone who's opinion we value is less than encouraging or supportive it affects our belief in our self. Maybe there are people it won't affect but I think it's true of the majority. This is something we need to remember when we offer criticism to another. Is that critique so important or would words of encouragement be better put to use. Learning to ask for what we need....maybe that's the trick to getting what we need. Something I've never learned to do. As usual you're tuned in to the needs of those around you.
ReplyDeleteWords have power, for good or evil, for building up or tearing down. Really enjoyed the story, says so much!!!!
ReplyDeleteLOL What fun music too!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteWonderful!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful words Linda, I enjoy it & the song as well. TFS! ^_^
ReplyDeleteWhat a great post. Tke Cole Porter is great too.
ReplyDeleteWONDERFUL!!!...to have a friend like YOU!!! *smiles*
ReplyDeleteGod Bless... big (((HUGS)))
amalie2 wrote today at 3:08 PM
ReplyDeleteyes, some echoes last a lifetime, you are so right, that's why we should be careful with what we say.
very important blog, linda!
"Love and kindness are never wasted. They always make a difference.
They bless the one who receives them, and they bless you, the giver." Barbara De Angelis.
(((LindaO6)))
ReplyDelete