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It did surprise me, though. It caught me off guard.
An older man, slightly humped and bald with wisps of grey hair around his ears walked passed me... maybe we was nearing 80 years old?
When we passed on the sidewalk, I smiled at him. His face immediately lit up---bright and beautiful--- he seemed to grow younger by 20 years. As he looked up he immediately said, "Well, you are the prettiest thing I have seen today!"
I literally felt the shock of his words and quickly replied, "Thank you, you are very sweet!" Then we went about our day... Me moving forward, the gentleman walking the other way.
Our paths crossed for only a moment.
In the first moments after we passed I prayerfully wondered if his comment was inappropriate. In our current world---which is over-sensual and over-sexualized; with such an emphasis placed on outward appearance---was this wrong for him to say such a thing to a stranger? I wasn't sure.
But, a few steps further down the road and I could literally feel myself walking taller and with more confidence. I felt younger, too. A bit of the child in me seemed touched and maybe even dancing. The strength and energy in my stride caught my attention. How had one little sentence brought such a significant subconscious response from my heart, my body... my very being?
It is hard to estimate and count what this little, kind compliment did for my soul.
I kept prayerfully wondering... watching my thoughts with curiosity... A few steps further down my path, I pondered if this was my ugly-sided vanity rearing it's head. Could be. But, this felt different. This felt purer. This felt sweet. Who can know their own heart, truly? (Jeremiah 17:9) Only God knows.
As I prayed, though, and walked a few steps further... I had a simple thought: Words are powerful.
This man crossed my path for one very short moment. And, his words had power. They impacted me before I could 'think'. His words had taken affect before my conscious mind was even aware. My response to his sentence was something to 'look back on' and wonder about. His words had a distinctly positive and uplifting impact. At least, it felt positive.
What might my words do today? What might I say to my husband, my son or my daughter? What might I say to my neighbor or the stranger at the store? Can I use my mouth to bring about blessing!? Can I lift someone's head and help them to walk just a little bit taller?
It didn't cost that man anything to compliment me. In fact, I would venture, from the look on his face, that it befitted his soul to offer me that rose. He moved onward a bit taller, too.
Lord, use me to bolster and to bless! Father, help my mouth... all I say...to be used to raise up and to lift. Fill me with Your Spirit, Your love and Your thoughts about this beautiful world and the beauty that fills each face. "For out of the same mouths come blessing and cursing, brothers... it should not be!" (James 3:10)