Lately, it seems that words of judgement, hurtful words are being shared between people who truly care for each other. It is heart wrenching to witness.  It was time for me to re-read, Silver Boxes.

In the book, Silver Boxes, Florence Littauer shares stories, biblical quotes and humorous antidotes about the importance of becoming encouragers. That honest kind words are gifts (silver boxes) that can make a positive difference in a person's life.   I love that concept. It is not for us to judge others.

I know in my own life, a compliment, a reassuring word, or being remembered can transform my whole day. It can make a wonderful difference.

At one point in the book she shared a story about a family that enjoyed the old song:

Home, home on the range,
Where the deer and the antelope play.
Where seldom is heard a discouraging word,
And the skies are not cloudy all day.

The dad would laugh at how crazy a home on the range must be with all those deer and antelope romping through the living room. The children would laugh at such a thought. Then they would come back to the point of the song, it doesn't matter where you live, if you give encouraging words the skies are not cloudy at all.

True enough, encouraging words can help disperse the clouds of self-doubt and concern.

I have been blessed to have received encouraging words and need to be always mindful that words are powerful.  Sometimes giving out a silver box is as simple as acknowledging a person's presence and saying hello.

Thank you from the bottom of heart to all who have acknowledged my presence, never forgotten me, and encouraged me. May your skies be cloud free (except of course, for those white fluffy ones that are fun to watch as they change shapes and move across the sky).