If not you ... then who?

I'm going to pose a question to you. Only you know the answer and only you can determine the importance of that answer and whether it inspires you to love your loved ones even more. Children thrive on attention and affection. Men are empowered by respect and acknowledgement. Women flourish when they feel cherished and valued. You have men, women and children in your life that you love, that you talk to every day, that you influence. They are the ones who have been given to you...to whom you have been given. 

So I was wondering, in your world, who is making eye contact with that child of 3,6,11,or 16? Who is telling them they are great? Who is noticing their progress? Who points out their positive qualities? Who is expecting good outcomes for them and painting that picture in words and deeds? Who is saying I love you, I'm glad your here, things aren't always easy but so many wonderful things are out there for you and you are going to do great? They need someone to believe in them...if not you, then who?

He needs the same thing...your vote of confidence...your trust. Who is noticing his strengths and talents? Who is expressing gratitude for his effort and courage? When does he hear a compliment that is not followed by a criticism? He fixes things he doesn't need to be fixed. Build him up, the world is perfectly capable of taking him down a notch or two without your assistance..but love...the world's not so good at that. So if the encouragement and confidence, the love and affection don't come from you, then who?

She's beautiful. She has passion and compassion and a repertoire of emotions to last a hundred lifetimes. Stop looking at what she does for you, for a moment, and look at her. She's amazing. Listen to her, she's trying to share something with you. Tell her she is more important than her task list, more precious than any possessions. Give her the comfort of your touch, hold her hand, take her face in your hands, make direct eye contact and without wavering say what's true..."I love you." If she has any doubts weighing on her, help her get rid of them. She needs to be cherished and if it's not going to be you...then who?

You make a tremendous impact on the people in your life every day, with what you do and do not say. You can brighten their lives and warm their hearts in ways that no one else could do. You can light a fire or quench a spirit with the little things you choose to do. In the beginning the world was darkness. God said, "Let there be light." You are the light of the world. If not you...then who?