Dear Friends,
I have been umpiring high school baseball for over 30 years, and over
this span of time I have called some good games and some games where I wished I
could have had a 'do over.' Umpiring can be a tough, especially in these days
when there are so many umpires in the stands who are quick to remind you
that they could be calling a much better game.
But umpiring can also be gratifying, especially those days when
you walk off the field and hear those words, "Good job blue," or “You
had a good strike zone,” or “we wish you could call all our games. Those words
are music to your ears, the kind of words you wish you could hear every time
you walk off the field.
Whether you are an umpire or not, all of us long to hear those
encouraging words, good job, well done. Everyone does better and feels better
when working in an environment of encouragement. It has been said that
encouragement is oxygen to the soul, and it is so true. Just as one needs
oxygen to breath, everyone needs encouragement to survive.
I love the story of the little boy who said to his dad,
"Let's play darts." The dad responded, "How do you want to
play?”
The little boy said. “It's simple. I'll throw the darts and you
say wonderful,” Everyone loves to hear those words expressing some form of
affirmation.
I have never heard anyone tell me they thrive in a constant
climate of criticism, an environment where people are always negative and quick
to find fault.
Ken Blanchard, a leadership expert has coined the words
‘Management by Walking Around’ that has become a popular leadership expression.
Simply put MBWA means wherever you are, always be looking to find someone doing
something well and then be quick to reward them with words of encouragement and
affirmation.
People will always go farther, work harder and perform better in
an environment of encouragement and affirmation.
When you find someone doing something worth rewarding, encourage
them publicly while the ‘sweat is still on their brow.’ Let them hear those
words. “Great job,” “I’m proud of you,” “I knew you could do it.” Children love
to hear those words, but so too doo grownups.
I don’t remember who it was who wrote the following words, but
they were important enough for me to memorize them. “Flatter me and I may not
believe you, criticize me and I may not like you, ignore me and I will never
forgive you, but encourage me and I will never forget you.”
Would you like to be unforgettable? I know you would, and it is so
easy to do. Just reward people every time you see them doing something
positive. And do you know what will happen? Every time they see you coming,
they will be looking for ways to do something that will elicit your
affirmation.
Don’t be ‘tombstone encouragers,’ those who never get to say the
good things about someone until there is a tombstone over their head.
One of my favorite verses, and one I memorized long ago are from
the pen of the Apostle Paul who said, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out
of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to
their needs, that it may benefit those who listen (Eph 4:29).
Today let me challenge you to find someone you can encourage. Pick
up the phone and make a call and let the person know you were thinking of and
praying for them. Drop someone a note, of share a word of thanks for the one
behind the register at the store, or the one who pumps your gas, or delivers
your mail. You will make two people feel good, yourself and the one you bless
with your kind and encouraging words.
Yours in faith and friendship
Tom
P.S. "People may forget what you said, or what you did, but
people will never forget how you made them feel." Maya Angelou
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