Ever noticed how many people shy away from giving compliments? There are those who think it’s sucking up, or smarmy somehow, or deeply insincere to tell someone something good about themselves. Compliments, if any, are limited to “You’re looking good today” or ” That’s very kind, thank you”. But almost never are we told things like “You are the kindest person I know” or “You always make me feel better after I’ve chatted to you”.
But think for a moment. You are standing at the gates of Heaven but the records have been lost and St Peter does not recognise you. (Just suspend belief here and work with me…). So he turns to you and says ” Just tell me your good qualities and if they are sufficient, I’ll let you in”. What are you going to say?
We all know that your Mercedes, swimming pool and off shore investments are not going to do the job, so what do you know about yourself that merits you getting into Heaven? We should really ask our nearest and dearest for the answers as I, for one, am much more aware of my shortcomings, and my good qualities don’t really make a very long list! Or so I think. Once we have made out a list for ourselves, it may need revision once we check with our friends, but the delight in this exercise, if the friends are sincere, is that you may discover good things about yourself that you never realised! I know one busy, busy person who discovered that we, her friends, all feel we are the entire focus of her attention when we speak together. It’s as if we are really valuable for those times and we feel suddenly stronger, calmer, and better value to the world when she looks at us. And we all felt the same! But we had never told her. How sad. Now at least she knows something to add to her Heaven list. When you have thought about, or found out about your good qualities, then find a place to write them down. Consult the list on those dark days when nothing goes right. Make sure you understand that famous extract from the Desiderata: You are a child of the universe and you have a right to be here. The other extract I love is: No doubt the universe is unfolding as it should, whether or not that is apparent to you or me. What a wonderful way to increase your confidence in the future, just when you’re weighed down with heavy burdens of life. Let go and let God, they say. Resolve today to find something beyond platitudes to say to someone you meet. Watch them smile and note the inner feelings it gives you too.
Love always wins.
Maura