Psalms and giving praise to others

While studying Psalms this week as a family we were talking about praise, I was asking my kids if they could share an experience when someone praised them. I can still see their sad, long faces as they had a hard time remembering one. Thankfully, Ben and I were both able to help them remember some really nice compliments each child had recently been given.

But it made me resolve to be more positive in my interactions and more free with my compliments. This world can be a harsh, negative place. I know I am prone especially with my kids to give a lot of feedback on what they could be doing better, and are not always noticing what they are doing right. After our lesson I’ve been trying to fill my lunchbox notes to the kids with compliments and do less nagging and more noticing of the good. I know I can “be the change we want to see in the world” and find the time for more gratitude, less complaining, and more showing of love.