Fifteen years ago a friend paid me a compliment I’ve not only remembered but cherished ever since:
“You’re consistent regardless of where you are, who you’re with or what you’re doing.”
The occasion was a women’s Bible study, and though I recall little about the lesson that day, each of us had drawn names and were charged with sharing a positive word of encouragement about her with the group.
Years have come and gone and I’ve received hundreds or encouraging words since, but that one is tattooed on my heart, punctuated with smiley faces and butterflies.
* * * * *
A few weeks ago, my son and two of his friends walked to our neighborhood park to play tennis. An hour later the boys called asking me to bring towels because they were going to jump in the pool before coming home. This puzzled me because the pool typically opens Memorial weekend* and I hadn’t heard otherwise. They assured me it was open because a group of people were in the pool while they played tennis.
When I arrived, I passed a parked truck near the pool and courts. On the right lies a large field, and there were two dads lighting fireworks to the squeals and laughter of a dozen half-pints–the dangerous sort of fireworks that take aim and chase you, thrilling the kids all the more and coaxing smile from my lips.
I noticed my boys weren’t in the pool, and as I pulled closer I rolled down the passenger window as they hurried to my car.
“A man told us to get out!” “Yeah, said the pool wasn’t open, but we SAW other kids swimming!” “He told us our skin would turn blue!” “He was mean!” tumbled an avalanche of word-frustration.
“And he’s parked over there watching us!”
Their eyes pointed in the direction of the parked truck I had just passed.
Defensive for them on the inside, but outwardly beginning a lecture to explain why the adult was “right” in asking them to leave before the pool was chemically ready and officially open,I jumped out of my skin when I realized there was a man standing outside my window!
I rolled it down and he very nicely explained to me how he had asked the boys to get out of the pool because workers had just begun treating the water. He was a dad with the group of fireworks/birthday children, and he couldn’t have been friendlier. His words trailed as he turned back towards his group, “I hope the boys didn’t think I was mean to ask them to get out….” I couldn’t imagine based on his congeniality.
My window was barely rolled up when Stephen’s friend flatly said, “He was nice to you but he wasn’t to us.” I slowly absorbed what he said…and what he hadn’t yet expressed. “I hate it when grown-ups are nice to each other but not to kids,” chimed another. I listened as they continued to explain, and I knew they were right. They felt the sting of adult-to-child accusation and undeserved judgment. All he saw was three barely-teenage boys breaking rules; intimidation and fear would take care of that.
Good and typically compliant boys, they would have gotten out of the pool if he had said, “Hey guys, the pool isn’t opened for a few weeks…the chemicals are too strong to swim yet.”
The man was Jekyll and Hyde.
Critical and defensive for my boys, I judged him with a pointed finger of accusation.
But then I noticed three were pointing back at me….
* * * * *
I thought back to Mandy’s encouragement to me. How often have I made rash judgments with only partial information? When have I reacted to others or circumstances in a manner that betrays my faith? Do I always treat people with the respect they deserve as image bearers of God? Or do I respond based on appearance and perception?
- I thought about James’ warning against showing favoritism.
- Peter’s words to stop being a hypocrite and to respect everyone rang in my ears.
- I remembered Paul’s admonishment to give higher regard to others than myself.
I contemplated, of all the nice things people have said to me over the years, why Mandy’s compliment stands out. And it hit me–consistency is the character of God! I can take no credit if she observed that in me…it was Christ at work in and through me that she could see.
Which astonishes me, blesses me, and encourages me all over again.
Your turn: Have you considered “consistency” as Godly virtue? Is it something you consciously strive for or do you think I’m reaching here? What about you–is there a compliment from your past that haunts you in the present? Do share! I wanna get to know you a little better :).
* Keep in mind we submit (in)courage posts weeks to months before they’re published.
Leave a Comment
Chrissy says
I’m with you – I think that’s a wonderful compliment, and if someone said it about me, I’d remember it all my life.
Unfortunately, I’m sure no one would say it about me because I think I can adapt my personality and behavior to the situation. That’s probably a good thing in the world’s eyes, but in God’s eyes? Not so much.
Thank you for the reminder today. I really appreciate it, and I really enjoyed this post!
Houston says
Robin you always write things I need to read!
The compliment that I’ll always remember is when a friend told me that I “could compliment a woman in a moo moo with pink curlers in her hair and make her feel special” because I genuinely meant what I said. I don’t think we give one another enough positive feedback or compliments and it’s always something I’ve tried to do for others. It brings a smile and I like that.
Rebekah says
Agreed on the compliment part. It wasn’t until about 5 years ago that I stopped being different people with different groups (church, work, school, friends, etc.) and became the same person with everybody. It is SO. FREEING. When you don’t have to keep up with who you are in your head, but rather, just live. That’s definitely a compliment I’d remember and consistency is something I value.
One compliment that’s stuck with me through the years is my little sister told me 3 or 4 years ago that I ‘made the house fun’. The context is I was away at school and only home some weekends, holiday breaks, whatever. It had just been her and my parents and grandmother, when I was home, I brought liveliness back into the house and ‘loosened’ things up (not that my parents/grandmother were awful people they’re just…older.) 🙂
I’ve also been told numerous times that I’m very encouraging and it always thrills me when I hear that because it means that I’m using the gift God gave me. It’s my goal to encourage people, lift them up and I thoroughly enjoy doing it. I’m so thankful God blessed me with that spiritual gift. 🙂
Thanks for sharing Robin! I enjoyed it 🙂
Liz says
The one compliment I will always remember I recieved in college. A freind of mine told me that he was impressed with me because I lived what I said. I was not a hypocrite. Especially when it came to our religion. It was a big deal then, and has become even more so as I have learned how many people tend to be surface believers. I just hope that I can always live up to that compliment!(I know I have faltered along the way, but that is what the atonement is for right?)
Molly Rainbow says
(in)courage could not have chosen a more consistent group of writers. That is what keeps me coming back day after day. I trust each of you and I don’t expect perfection, but the truth of who Christ is to you. So a huge THANK YOU for sharing. I am always moved and more importantly changed. Thank you for speaking truth into my life.
Jenny 867-5309 says
I supposed I’m a bit more like Chrissy. Growing up overseas and moving around a lot, I can adapt to just about any situation. However, I’ve learned to be more consistent while living here in Missouri. I was a pastor’s wife and so strongly wanted people inside and outside the church to know that I am who I am in all aspects of my life. I definitely think it thrills our Father’s heart to know that we are being true to His word and ourselves by being consistent. Great post, Robin!
Robin ~ PENSIEVE says
Chrissy,
Does that mean youre a people-pleaser?
Robin ~ PENSIEVE says
Ahhh, Houston–you gave ME a smile!
Robin ~ PENSIEVE says
Rebekah,
Robin ~ PENSIEVE says
Liz,
Robin ~ PENSIEVE says
Molly,
MOOOOOLLLLLLYYYYYY!
Robin ~ PENSIEVE says
Jenny,
I didnt realize that about you; its always fun to learn a little more about people Ive met :).
See?