An Encouraging Word

Another Monday with an encouraging blog from Chris. Thank you.

crop medic calibrating phoropter working with patient

“an ounce of prevention is worth…”

How are your eyes trained?
As a farmer, you are always on the lookout for things that need to be fixed. We have all heard
the cliche’ “an ounce of prevention . . .”

Being taught that from a child and gaining a good deal of satisfaction from fixing things it seems my eyes are trained to see faults, the
things that aren’t right.

In some ways that is a blessing but it is also a curse. Let me explain.

When it comes to mechanical things it is important to pick up on the malfunctions
quickly and precisely to prevent more major problems. With livestock, it is good to spot
the sick animal quickly for the same reason.

Eyes trained to notice these things are a
blessing. Even though mine are not as good as I could like them to be.


On the other hand, I tend to pick up on the faults of other people much faster than I should. This is the curse part.

When it comes to people it would be much better to have eyes trained to find a kind word to encourage, to build up others. That takes eye training and a lot of practice. This is something that I am working on.


God said it like this: “A word fitly spoken Is like apples of gold in network of silver.”
(Proverbs 25:11)

close up photo of chocolate cake on a gold colored saucer

and “A man hath joy in the answer of his mouth; And a word in due season, how good is it!” (Proverbs 15:23)
How are your eyes trained?