Encouragement

Criticism tears one down.
It comes from expectations.
Seldom has it brought a change.
It usually brings frustrations.

Who wants to change 'cause I say so,
'Cause I don't like what they do?
"Leave me alone," they stew inside,
"I've got problems with you, too!"

Personalities clash, there's often a fight,
"It's no use," we often sigh.
We expect them to listen, but they won't;
They just don't want to try.

What if we tried a different approach,
One seldom used, I fear?
Instead of pushing them away,
Try one that will bring them near.

Let them know we believe in them;
They won't know what to say.
Try using words of encouragement
To lift them up for the day.

It will take practice, so never give up.
For word from them we may yearn.
But once they catch on to what we are doing,
They may lift us up in return.

Our Heavenly Father never tears us down;
We do that to one another.
Encouraging, He lifts us up
To love and build up each other.

Life will be so much easier;
There are burdens enough to bear.
The loads we carry will be cut in half
When we show someone we care.