Another Encounter

The other day I was sitting on the train.  A lady sitting opposite me started talking about the volunteer work she was doing, after she had oohed and aahed over Nathan.  I had quite a lengthy chat with her, and realised that most people probably wouldn’t have had that kind of discussion with her.  Her face brightened and she literally opened up.

I was pleasantly surprised by the difference with which I approached this lady, all because of the way that I have been exposed to treating women with kindness and equal dignity and respect.  I never thought that I had a problem with it before, I would be perfectly open to talking to anyone, but I realise that its more than just talking.  There is so much power in words, the capability they have to pick people up and to encourage people.  To make them feel valued and special and important.  And they truly are.  I almost feel ashamed that I haven’t been using my full potential to build people up in the past.

It literally takes five minutes to make someone’s day.  The way that we react to things can make a world of difference.  In clinical, I’ve seen it change people’s approach.  To make people believe that they can actually change their behaviours, you have to believe in them.  People react according to what you expect (at least children do).  I need to be ensuring that I always make my words count.  Love people.  Love God.