Collecting Compliments

Nothing lifts your spirits quite like a perfectly placed compliment.

Sometimes, it’s the one thing that makes a gray day great. Whether it’s the person, the circumstance, or the compliment itself, the very act of appreciation and recognition can brighten up anyone’s mood.

Certain compliments also remain with us many years afterwards. We replay them in our minds to give us strength, insight, or renewed courage.

I’d like to ask YOU what compliment you have received that meant a lot to you – one that remains memorable.

If you read my blog but never comment, I’d love to hear from you, too, and this is a perfect topic! What a way to pass around the rainbows and sunshine.

So, of course, this bring us to what compliments mean a lot to me, at least the ones I remember.

“I think you have really great shoulders.”
- Colleen, my cousin (when she was eight, and I was nine)

“You are the most affirmative person I know. When you’re around, I feel proud of myself, like I can do anything.”
- October, my college roommate

“Your mom’s really lucky to have a daughter like you.”
- Uncle Timmy (when I was a bridesmaid in Mom and Gary’s wedding)

This last compliment, by Uncle Timmy, came at the perfect time.

I was running around like a chicken with my head cut off trying to direct the florist, help Mom get ready, and greet arriving guests.

In the back of my head, I was also thinking about how my relationship with my mother was going to change drastically after her wedding. I knew she would always love me, but now there would be someone new in her life taking up all that attention and love previously lavished on me.

I knew I was going to battle with selfishness towards sharing my mom. I had been praying for months that the Lord would help me be godly, caring, and unselfish toward Mom and especially Gary.

And just when I was feeling low, rushed, and a tad-bit unappreciated, Uncle Timmy’s compliment encouraged me.

I knew the Lord was working in my heart, so that I would be thinking of others, and THAT was what Uncle Timmy was noticing (certainly not my still-conflicted heart).

His compliment made me realize how fortunate I was to have such an incredible Mom and how happy I was that she was marrying such a wonderful and godly man as Gary. It helped me get through that day, and I still think of it when I need a little boost.

Now, it’s your turn! What have other people said that picked you up when you needed it, or that one positive comment you still remember to this day?

Tag, you’re it!