stop shrugging

i’ve been thinking about how much i take for granted the compliments and encouraging words of those around me. it hit me this weekend while i allowed the munchkins to take turns riding in the front seat of our vehicle. it was an interesting thing to watch, as they explored all of their new surroundings and asked questions about which buttons did what. and then, there were moments where time seemed to literally stand still as they would look up at me, beaming with happiness, and grinning from ear to ear. it was precious.

i would compliment them often. and they would soak it in. it was great. but then it hit me. as i thought about this, i started to realize that way too often, when those closest to me are complimentary about my talents or gifts or creativity or whatever, i tend to shrug it off. it doesn’t take. or stick. or soak in. i often feel as if they are simply saying it because they feel like they are supposed to. it’s the right thing to do. it’s nice. the phrases, “they’re just being supportive” or “they’re just trying to encourage me” race through my mind. and yet when someone in my field of work (a complete stranger) compliments my abilities, i buy it, because i think that they are somehow more in tune with me. (this is where i stop and scratch my head.) why is that? why do we tend to listen to strangers and ignore those that are the closest to us.

well, all of these thoughts rambled through my brain and ended here...i hope that my daughters will always hear and believe the words of life that i speak into them. the words of encouragement. the words of support. may they always hear that they are incredible. that they are amazing. that they are fantastic creations who have the potential to do unbelievable things. and even though i am close to them, may they still believe it.