A little encouragement can go a long way.

School started this week at our house. I enjoy homeschooling. When my kids were younger, we did all subjects at home with me as the teacher. Now that the kids are older, they either attend classes offered by our local home school coop, have private tutors or take classes online. However, there is one subject that I decided to teach myself to one of my little ones because it is a subject that this particular child really doesn't like. I want to oversee this subject and make certain that all bases are covered no matter if we enjoy it or not.

This week has gone well. It is off to a good start. I have learned that if I write down everything that is to be covered for a particular day and leave it for my student that my student will get up each morning and get right to work on that day's assignments. The most despised part of the subject is always left until last, but it is getting done. However, there is no smile involved.

I really like smiles and I like the people living in my house to have smiles on their faces. When there aren't smiles, I like to do what I can to bring a smile to the face. Yesterday, as this little one of mine just wasn't happy with the work that needed to be done, I grabbed that little face between my hands and looked into those sweet eyes and said, "You might hate this subject and not like doing the work at all, but . . . " At this point I was interrupted and my little one said, "But I have to do it anyway." I replied, "What I was going to say is 'you are very good at this subject. It may not be your favorite, but you have what it takes to do it and you are very good at it.'" That sweet little face got the biggest of smiles and said, "Really"? "Yes, really."

I have to say, today went a little smoother. The attitude in doing that assignment for the not-so-favorite subject was much improved. It is amazing how a few words of encouragement can change everything. Is there someone in your path that could use a kind word or two?

Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.

Proverbs 16:24          

May you have JOY today in speaking kind words of encouragement to others.

Tami