Our world would be so much better if we spent half the time patting people on the back for their efforts that we spend beating them over the head for things we don’t like. Why is it so much easier for us to criticize than it is for us to encourage others? You would think criticism is in the DNA of 90% of the world. The biggest change you can make in your environment is to learn to encourage, be thankful, brag on others, and lift others up. You will find the waiter/waitress does a better job when you acknowledge their efforts. You will find the preacher’s message has more meaning when you appreciate his preparation to feed the flock. You will be more patient waiting in line when you appreciate that the cashier is working to support their family instead of criticizing how slow they may be checking you out. We are encouraged to lift one another up and be thankful for other people. (1 Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.) Our relationships with others will improve greatly when we become an encourager instead of a critic. It takes a bigger person to do the right thing instead of the popular thing. God blesses our lives when we choose to bless others. You having a bad day gives you no excuse to try to make other’s day bad also. A simple phrase like “You are doing a great job,” or “Thank you for all your help,” or “You have gone out of your way to serve us today,” will make others day go better and it will make your day better also. Don’t be a critic. Pat someone on the back and tell them they are doing a good job today. Pastor Don [image: image.png]