We have heard this statement many times in recent years. It has been used in the context that if you see something irregular, suspicious, etc. you should say something. Good advice. If it is nothing, no problem. If it is something, you may have saved someone from harm or from causing harm to others. In the wee hours of the morning today, I woke up and this was one of the thoughts swimming around in my head. However, it had a different twist. I was thinking about it in a more positive light.

Yesterday, we went out to eat for lunch and I noticed a lady who had on a very pretty, red top with sparkles around the neckline. She had silver/white hair and it looked so nice on her. I noticed but didn’t think much about it. Then as we were leaving, I walked past her table. (Well, I almost walked past.) She was talking with who I assume was her husband. Anyway, I took a step backward, interrupted her and told her how nice she looked and that I really liked her top. The smile on her face was all I needed to know that it was ok to interrupt/disrupt her conversation. I wonder how many times I do just walk on past without giving the compliment or encouragement that I should. I know that God doesn’t tempt us. Our enemy does that! The Holy Spirit does give us nudges to do good though. How many times do we ignore those nudges because we think we might interrupt, be embarrassed, delayed on our journey, etc.?

 I was reminded of a time a week or so ago when I complimented and encouraged one of our grandsons. We had been together for several days and I had noticed that when we were out in public, he always held the door for people instead of letting it go behind him. (Sometimes this is unusual for a teenager I might add.) Anyway, I told him that I had noticed and that I really appreciated his kindness and thoughtfulness toward others by simply holding a door. Again, his smile was all the reward and motivation I needed to watch for other behaviors to encourage.

 We don’t know what other people are going through in their daily lives. Usually though, we can find something with which to praise or encourage. Even if it is simply a big smile or word of thanks. God talks about this in James 4:17 “Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins.”  Let’s watch for people we can encourage as we see or hear them doing or saying something good.

 If you see something, say something!