See Good, Say Good: A Simple Act of Kindness

We’ve all heard the phrase “See Something, Say Something,” originally designed to promote public safety by encouraging people to report suspicious activities. But what if we flipped this concept to promote positivity, motivation, and wellness in our everyday lives?

Unexpected Recognition

My family and I recently decided to try a local burger shop we’d been curious about. We arrived, chose our drinks and meals, and chatted while waiting for our order. During this time, I noticed a husband and wife seated directly behind us, but I didn’t pay much attention to them. When our food arrived, I led my family in prayer to bless the meal before we dug in. We enjoyed our food and conversation, making the most of our time together. I asked for some to-go boxes as we finished and waited for the check.

Meanwhile, the couple behind us finished their meal and began to leave. Suddenly, the man approached me, lightly placing his hands on my shoulders. I turned to see him smiling, and he said, “I just wanted to let you know that you are doing a good job, Dad. Thank you for leading your family in prayer over your meal. They are lucky to have you.” I was taken aback but instinctively replied, “Thank you!” as they left.

For the next few minutes, I reflected on what had just happened. This unexpected encounter truly moved me. I’ve often neglected to lead prayer before family meals. Still, I’ve recognized its importance and committed to making it a regular practice. By doing so, we express our gratitude, seek God’s blessings, and strengthen our spiritual bond as a family. It’s a simple yet powerful way to center ourselves and start our meals with a grateful heart.

Why This Moment Moved Me

Why did this simple act move me so profoundly? First, the recognition came from a stranger who had no personal stake in whether or not I prayed. Yet, it must have touched him deeply to go out of his way to acknowledge it. Second, I’ve been striving to be a better spiritual leader for my family, often asking God to guide me. I’ve learned that God shows up even when you don’t realize you need Him. That man’s comment was just what I needed to hear, affirming that God sees me, loves me, and wants me to continue setting an example for my family. This experience reminded me of the powerful impact recognizing and acknowledging small good deeds can have. The kind stranger saw something good and acted on it, costing him nothing but delivering a profound effect. He listened to God’s prompting and blessed me in return.

Worldly Wisdom

Research supports the idea that positive acknowledgment can significantly impact mental and emotional well-being. According to a study published in the Journal of Positive Psychology, expressing gratitude and recognition can enhance both the giver’s and receiver’s happiness and overall life satisfaction. By acknowledging the good we see in others, we uplift them and cultivate a positive and supportive environment for ourselves.

Biblical Perspective

The Bible offers profound wisdom on the importance of positive acknowledgment. Proverbs 12:25 (NLT) says, “Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up.” This verse emphasizes the value of kind words and their positive impact on someone’s spirit. Similarly, Hebrews 10:24-25 (NLT) encourages us to “think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.” These scriptures remind us that our words hold power and can be used to uplift and inspire others.

Implementing “See Good, Say Good”

What if we all strive to do this daily when we witness something good? Imagine our positive impact on our families, communities, institutions, and strangers. These small acts of recognition could be what someone needs to help them through their hidden struggles. Let’s embrace a “See Good, Say Good” mindset and spread positivity wherever possible. Today, share your experiences and observations in the comments below or on a social media platform. Together, we can build a community that thrives on positivity and recognition. #SeeGoodSayGood