One of my favorite stories comes from pilots Peter Gaylor and
Stephanie Pound of Navajo Aviation. A funny thing occurred once when
they flew their tiny airplane over the bay on an ash-scattering
mission. With them were the two sons, in their twenties, of a late
mother who was being consigned to the winds.
As Stephanie opened the cockpit door, a stiff breeze blew the ashes
back into the plane, dusting the four occupants. A moment's stunned
silence, and then one of the boys sighed, "Just like Mom - she was
always all over everyone."
Maybe it was because she was their mother and believed it was her lot
to correct. Children, especially, may feel that parents are "always
all over them." Few of us particularly like others to point out areas
for improvement. Dr. Norman Vincent Peale said it well: "Most of us
would rather be ruined by praise than saved by criticism."
I hold that encouragement is often more effective than criticism, and
we should criticize sparingly. But those who are wise will regularly
seek out someone they trust to hold a mirror before them that they may
see themselves more accurately. It is important to know the truth, and
it is often heard better when spoken by one who sincerely cares.
Someone accurately said, "Criticism, like rain, should be gentle
enough to nourish one's growth without destroying one's roots." If you
are in a position to critique, may your words nourish growth.
If you are the one reflected in the mirror, remember that what you see
may be your salvation. Learn what you can and discard the rest. It may
be more enjoyable to be ruined by praise, but what truth you hear will
help you grow.
From Lifesupport
Lifesigns Life Quotes
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