(in)finite commodities.

Photo Credit: Museum Syndicate

I can remember at EFY (a youth camp) that I attended years ago, listening to a speaker talk about our compliments to others (or rather, the lack thereof). The woman talked about our tendency as humans, to withhold kind words for fear that giving someone else a compliment makes that person superior to us, at least in that area. As if complimenting another had the potential to take away our chance for any worth in this world.

The speaker posed the question, 

"Does complimenting someone on their beauty take away from yours?"

Now, replace the word beauty with any characteristic, item, action or thought that could be complimented in its place:

"You are: 

- so kind

- brilliant

- a gifted writer

- so thoughtful in the words you say to others."

"I loved:

- the way you explained that concept

- that pie that you made

- that proposal you laid out at work today."

We feel as though we show some weakness, our pie wasn't quite as good, our bosses are going to notice them instead of us when it comes time for a promotion, etc. etc. etc. Sure there are some seemingly finite marks of affirmation out there. It's a tough thing to swallow when the grade is curved, and the semester is just about up, and all you want is that A grade that you deserve (or at least you think you do). But even then, we're overlooking the bigger picture. There is knowledge for all, there is progression for all, and there is a bigger future beyond grades, and transcripts, and confinements of this life.

I'm writing this with dirty hands, because I have frequently been guilty of envy, withholding kindness that another needed, and not jumping on board to support the team over self. But that doesn't mean that looking back I don't wish that I would have acted differently.

Because the truth is, in all of the things in this life that matter, and I mean truly matter, the quantities are endless: love, charity, talent, service, kindness, blessings. We do not need to be in short supply, and we are the only ones who can make sure there is enough to go around. Furthermore, happiness for others creates joy. Today, I am going to begin in the business of kindness again, because what a poor life to lead that can only find happiness upon one's own accomplishments.

"Mankind was my business. The common welfare was my business; charity, mercy, forbearance, benevolence, were all my business. The dealings of my trade were but a drop of water in the comprehensive ocean of my business!"

-Marley to Scrooge in "A Christmas Carol"