In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it’s easy to forget the profound impact a few kind words can have on someone. We often say that “words are like seeds”. If nurtured with care, they can grow into something truly remarkable. This sentiment is beautifully exemplified in a heartwarming story shared by a teacher I recently talked with, which reminds us of the transformative power of encouragement.

Teachers in a typical classroom encounter diverse students, each with unique strengths and challenges. She tells the story of a young boy who was very disruptive, often making noises and showing little interest in his studies. It would have been easy for the teacher to succumb to frustration or dismiss him as a lost cause. However, she chose a different path—a path guided by wisdom, compassion, and a deep belief in the potential of every student.

She decided to speak life over the young boy and took a moment to express the potential she saw within him. This simple act of acknowledging his untapped capabilities affected him. One day, he came to class and put in minimal effort for the first 10 minutes before falling back into his old habits again.

Here is where the teacher’s wisdom truly shines. Instead of dwelling on the initial lacklustre effort, she affirmed and praised the boy for those 10 minutes of work. She crafted a report she shared with the parents and the boy. In that report, her focus was not on the negative aspects but on the spark of diligence she had witnessed. It was a message of hope and potential, not condemnation.

The impact of this simple yet powerful gesture was nothing short of remarkable. The next day, the young student walked into class with determination. His eyes radiated gratitude, and he shared how much his parents appreciated the teacher’s affirmation. He took it further and thanked the teacher for her kind words. Moreover, he diligently engaged in his studies for the entire class period.

This story is a testament to the incredible power of affirmation and encouragement. It reminds us that, as individuals, we can light a fire within someone’s heart with our words. It underscores the fact that when we choose to encourage, uplift, and speak life, we can transform the lives of those around us.

This story is a poignant reminder that building others up can lead to profound changes in a world that often emphasises correction over connection. It invites us to reflect on our interactions with friends, family, and colleagues. Are we quick to criticise, or do we take the time to affirm and encourage? As the quote wisely suggests, “More Connection, Less Correction.”

Let us carry this lesson as we navigate our journeys and interactions, striving to uplift and inspire those we encounter.

Let’s keep 1 Thessalonians 5:11 in mind: “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact, you are doing.”