After countless failed attempts, I have finally exhibited some willpower and have stuck with a diet for nearly two months.

– “Miracle” is the common thought.

 

I have finally started to lose some pounds, as a result.

– All God’s people say “Amen.”

 

But that’s not the point.

– “What is the point then,” you ask.

 

Well, the point is that I also reached a big, no I mean huge, dieting milestone.

– “Do tell,” you say.

 

So there I was dropping the kids off early at church on Sunday.

– “Duh, odds are it would be on Sunday.”

Hey, quit interrupting or at least be nice about it.

 

As part of the dropping off process, I was working my way through church, saying my “hellos.”

– “Really, Dave working his way slowly through a crowd. I can’t believe it.”

Hey, I said, be nice.

 

I say hello to my friend Barb and she comments (completely unsolicited), “Have you lost some weight?” Yep, a completely unsolicited compliment after weeks of dieting sacrifice! It was so worth it. For the last four days, I have been on Cloud Nine. Awesome, but that’s not the real point.

– “Again with this ‘point’ business, Paulsen.”

 

The real point is that words are powerful. Even simple, but positive, ones have the power to build up others and keep them going in the right direction. So take a second today, offer an unsolicited compliment. You have the power to make others feel really good, now use it.

– “Say it, Brother Dave.”

Thank you for finally joining the winning team, Mr. Counterpoint in my Head. By the way, thank you for being so witty, it really made today’s post easier to write. Case in point.