COMPLIMENTS

 Hello lovelies.

A couple days ago, I had a free coffee reward at Philz so I drove to my favorite location of this amazing coffee shop and brought my laptop with me to do some more job hunting and other work.

That morning, as I was waiting for my breakfast burrito and coffee, I noticed a lady that just came in get in line and God was telling me to compliment her and give her some words of encouragement. When you know you know...

So I stepped over. The second I did, she said "Oh, were you in line?" and I kindly said, "No, I just wanted to give you words of encouragement this morning." And I told her what I felt motivated to share with her.

What she then responded with is not what I expected and it further enhanced why God was telling me to speak with her: "Thank you. I've had such a rough morning."

And I said, "Well, I hope these words help." And she was deeply grateful.

It was then I realized (I've always known this, but really it felt affirmed that morning) that we never really know what other people are going through. And even the smallest words and acts of kindness can uplift a heart, and form a smile on someone else's lips. That's one of the many things God calls us to do as His disciples. 

As the morning progressed, I was then waiting for my coffee, as was she. And she stepped back over to me and complimented my dress in return. I told her where I had got it, and why I love it and highly recommend it, and then as she was stepping behind me as I was heading back to my table. I again reiterated to her that I hope her morning improves and gets better, and she thanked me and proceeded to give me a couple more details of why she is struggling right now, which she didn't have to do. Something made her feel comfortable enough to open up to me. I told her I know I don't know the exact details, but I will be praying for her. 

Long story short, you never know what battles somebody is fighting. There's that quote that states that because of that, we should always strive to be kind. God knew what she's going through, but I didn't. My role was planting the seed, and stepping in during the stressful, chaotic morning the Lord knew everything about. He used me to lift her up, even for a few fleeting minutes. 

I encourage you, brothers and sisters, to never be afraid (I know that's easier said than done!) to give someone a compliment. Honestly, it's one of my all-time favorite things to do for strangers. Because it's so simple, and rooted in so much love. I know not everyone will respond the same way, but in the end, you planted a seed and that's what God wants. He wants us to step out in boldness, and show love to others even in the smallest ways, which in turn, can add up to be big ways. 

In Luke 16:10 (ESV), it states: 

¹⁰ “One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much.

So while it may not seem like a lot at times, your kind words and compliments are showing others oodles of love that they can take with them everywhere they go---even when you may never see them again. And who knows? Maybe you just might. And a friendship could be born. The Lord works in mysterious ways. And my prayer is that you don't dim your own light. Your kindness matters. 

All My Love,

Melody xoxo