Encouragement is a powerful tool. If nurtured with unexpected praise, “roughly right behavior” may just blossom and grow into something grand.

“Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things” (Philippians 4:8).

Encouragement is a Lead Like Jesus power tool.

Opening your eyes and ears to what may be going on right around you, even in the most unlikely places and people, is an effective antidote to the woes of these already depressing times. If nurtured with unexpected praise, “roughly right behavior” may just blossom and grow into something grand.

The first rule in catching people doing something right is to open your heart and mind to expanded possibility.

Who have you put in a box of negative expectations and are keeping there just because letting them out will require a little more grace than your willing to give?

Are you willing to take the time and effort to find opportunities to praise progress when perfection has not been attained?  

Are you willing slow down from all your important agenda striving and take the time to not only smell the roses but praise the gardener?

Written by Phil Hodges