A word of Encouragement or an hour of Praise

 

Did you realize how, when presented with a white handkerchief with a minuscule black dot in a corner, almost all of us will notice only that dot and not the other clear white part of the kerchief. I guess it is human nature to look for mistakes, to look for excuses to criticize rather than opportunities to praise. We would rather put down than raise up.  

Sadly, most often than not we are our own worst critics. How soon we have forgotten how as toddlers we fell a thousand times but that never stopped us from getting up again to take those first steps. Our parents made such a big deal at our every milestone, encouraging our every word, every step, Thus it is human nature to encourage and somewhere along the way, we picked up the act of criticizing. 

I came across a really nice story whose author is unknown, reminding us how a few words of encouragement given at the right time can make a big difference to someone. I'm sure we all will learn our own lessons from it. Here it is, verbatim:

'Dante Gabriel Rossetti, the famous 19th-century poet and artist, was once approached by an elderly man.

The old fellow had some sketches and drawings that he wanted Rossetti to look at and tell him if they were any good, or if they at least showed potential talent.

Rossetti looked over them carefully. After the first few, he knew that they were worthless but Rossetti was a kind man, he told the elderly man as gently as possible that the pictures were without much value and showed little talent.

He was sorry, but he could not lie to the man. The man was disappointed, but seemed to expect Rossetti’s judgment.

The old man then apologized for taking up Rossetti’s time, but asked him to look at a few more drawings.

Rossetti looked over the second batch of sketches and immediately became enthusiastic over the talent they revealed. “These,” he said, “oh, these are good.”

“This young student has a great talent. He should be given every help and encouragement. He has a great future.”

Rossetti could see that the old fellow was deeply moved.

“Who is this fine young artist?” he asked. “Your son?”

“No,” said the old man sadly.

“It is me – 40 years ago. These are my drawings – 40 years go. If only I had heard your praise then! For you see, I got discouraged and gave up – too soon.”'

Let us all make a conscious decision today to encourage ourselves and one another and build each other up. 

“A word of encouragement during a failure is worth more than an hour of praise after success.”