Feb 10
22
Get Noticed
A sweet, almost 5-year-old in my life, is growing out her bangs. She hates rubber bands, ponytails, braids, or barrettes, so her hair hangs in her face much of the day. One day recently, though, while brushing her hair before school, I slid two purple barrettes on either side of her face. I loved looking into her eyes without the screen of her hair blocking my view.
When she got home from school, I asked, “Where are your barrettes?” She reached into each pocket and pulled out a barrette from either side. “Did they hurt your head?” She shook her head no. Then I inquired, “Did someone say they were pretty?” Her head moved up & down affirmatively.
You see, she does NOT like to be noticed by her appearance. She hates wearing dresses on Sunday to church because she thinks someone will say she looks so beautiful. She knows she’s beautiful; she just doesn’t like to hear it.
Now, if you want to praise this young lady, notice her strength. Tell her she has strong muscles. Let her know you are amazed that she can carry her 30 lbs sibling around the house with ease or pick up her classmates as she hugs them goodbye. These are the ways she likes to be noticed.
As I thought about her, I wondered how I like to be noticed…and for what reasons I like to be appreciated. I am still pondering. Do you know how to appreciate those in your life in ways they like to be noticed? What do you do that you like others to notice about you?
