I Like Your Shirt

Several years ago while shopping at Wal-Mart I overheard something that impressed me. A child, probably around three years old, said to a complete stranger, “I like your shirt.” While I do not have a personal knowledge of the little girl’s background, the chances are that she comes from a stable home environment. She must be growing up in a home where encouraging words and compliments are sincerely and regularly spoken.

An encouraging word that is spoken or a compliment that is given has tremendous power. It may just take a minute to give, but it will probably be remembered much longer. At times you may never know how much the encouraging word or compliment that you have given to someone meant to them.

Solomon said, “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver” (Proverbs 25:11). I have often thought that we need to always give proper emphasis to the word “spoken” in that verse. We may intend to encourage or compliment someone, but unless we tell them, the person will never receive the benefit.

Often children remind us of needed lessons. And so, let’s remember the little girl who spoke just four words to a stranger, “I like your shirt.” This little girl spoke from her heart, and the other person was benefited. In the words of an old gospel song, this is one way that you can “Brighten The Corner Where You Are.”