compliments

i've noticed something about adults. it's hard for us to take compliments. some think it's awkward, yet we like to be complimented. it feels good. i often wonder why it's hard for us to take a compliment. it's hard for me sometimes. especially in large groups. i feel like the spotlight is all on me and it makes me uncomfortable for some reason. it's rather sad that we get all weird about it. it's even sadder when the person getting complimented turns it around to something negative.
example:
girl 1:"You look really pretty!"
girl 2:"oh please i like just woke up and threw this on"

AHHHHHHH that's so ridiculous to me. when i think about it... not only is it rude, it's making you think negative things. how cool would it be to say thanks and actually believe the compliment. and also thankful someone is loving you well.

on the flip side...
if you've ever been around ANY kid... all they want to do is show off to you. they like beg for compliments. ESPECIALLY if you are their teacher. and you know what, i love that. absolutely love that about kids. they take and give compliments so well. the greatest thing happened in my class this past semester. We were doing some art project and one kid said "omg! everyone look at wesley's it is soooooo cool" Everyone's heads popped up and glanced to table 2. Sure enough everyone agreed. Then someone else chimed in... "look at patton's. his is cool too!" one by one they all started complimenting each other and getting real excited. and then micah spoke. oh micah. she's about the cutest girl you'll ever meet. "we all have great art!!!!" she shouted. and the whole class started cheering! I agreed and smiled because i think that's the greatest lesson they'll ever learn in first grade.... we gotta compliment each other and learn to take compliments. and they taught each other that.

on another note.... i really miss those first graders.