This morning, a fellow faculty member shares the most encouraging words to me. I sat slumped in my office chair as I considered the long day ahead. It’s one of those days when I wonder if I’m in the right place, doing what I’m supposed to be doing, and feeling completely foolish.
She says, Do you know what I see when I look at you? Someone who does us all a favor by being here. You could do anything else, and you’re here.
I couldn’t believe it. Her words elevated me out of an otherwise demoralizing day. It’s rare that anyone recognizes your effort or work at a huge state university, and on most days, I feel like everyone thinks I’m just bumbling about, not doing anything of value.
And then, encouragement.
I realize the power of well-timed encouragement. I realize that I might say to a hundred people today, “Do you know what I see when I look at you? I’m not sure what you’re seeing, but I see this astonishing, wonderful thing about you.”
Living with flair surely means we tell others how we see them. They might not see themselves that way, and our vital words breathe life, joy, and truth into their hearts.