Praise; Merriam-Webster defines; “to express a favorable judgment of”, “to glorify (a God or saint) especially by the attributes of perfections”, “an expression of approval” …Commendation, Worship, Value, Merit.
I am a big believer in praise and personally I don’t believe that there is enough of it going around…Praise can elevate our feelings, make us feel more motivated, appreciated and even noticed. Praise can be as simple as a high five, great job as you walk by your teen in the middle of a school project or a co-worker going above and beyond. Praise doesn’t mean get out the harps and angels and start singing. Tho it can!!! LOL!!!
Praise needs to be kept light and simple so as not to produce unwarranted pressure, especially in children. “You’ve been such a good boy today, I love you so much when you’re a good boy.”. Ok, so you only love me when I’m good. In some people praise can have the opposite effect. Why was it whenever I told my children how good they were being and how proud I was of them, the tide completely turned and monsters appeared. Why!! Because, it just became in their minds now an expectation and a chore to now have to behave.
If you’ve noticed any thing about me by reading my posts it’s that I like to feel good and help people around me feel good. I enjoy life (well most of the time) and wish to share that. Do not get me wrong, I’m not Glenda the Good Witch by any means and I don’t float around in a beautiful pink gauze gown, even tho I would love it…I have bad days and trials in my world just like everyone else, it’s how you choose to react and the position you choose to take; I can stay in my funk, in my mood or on my pitty pot and have a miserable day or days (and I’ve been known to do just such) but it just makes the days twice as long…and really accomplishes nothing or I can climb out of said mood. What in the world does this have to do with praise???
I shall tell you. It’s as simple as changing your mind set. You can stop, take a breath and a look around… there’s always something beautiful to look at, just take the time to look for it. Go outside and look at the sky and the clouds, breathe in the fresh air. Put your earbuds in and play your favorite music, pull out your favorite book of scripture, quotes or bathroom quips find a quiet spot and read a few find whatever may produce: peace, a smile or a chuckle…
I pray my way out of a mood, hurt or funk… amazing what talking to our Creator does for the spirit, spill your heart out, he’s there, he’s just waiting for a conversation with you. I can sometimes hit a wall where I can’t pray at the moment…just can’t…things aren’t supposed to be like this and I’m in the middle of a tornado…in these emotional times all I may get out are a couple verses of “Jesus Loves “Me” from Bible School…repeat that a few times!!! So juvenile simple but sometimes that’s just what we need…simple!
Take the time today to praise yourself. You know the progress you are making, you know the project you just completed, you know that step of Faith you just took and are hoping it was the right one, you know how hard you are trying or working, so give yourself a high five and a smile…they change the day the really do!
My prayer today is you find something to be thankful for as that is what Praise is…Being Thankful and Expressing It!!! I am thankful for all of you. Have a most blessed day and Thank you for joining me.🥰
Sunshine On My Shoulder 