Good Job, Runners!!

We watched the Peoria Marathon run right past our home and I was struck by the applause of the onlookers and constant shouts of "Good job! Good job, runners! Yey! Keep going! Good job!" One would think those accolades were for the first guy, a full 5 minutes ahead of the entire pack, the obvious winner-to-be. But no, it didn't matter who, it didn't matter how slow, how unfit, the shouts still came, "Good job, Runners!" And when the last stragglers stomped by, it still didn't matter, because they were in the race so who cared if they were first or not. Even the last still did a good job. I was moved as I watched them, the neighbor's Corgi dog sitting on the porch with us, wagging his tail at the entertainment. It was inspiring not only to see so many people of various age and fitness levels, but I thought about how there is such a longing in the souls of us all to hear the words, "Good job! Keep going!" 

Winning is a mindset. And in the midst of the race when the weariness sets in, then maybe the hopelessness, we long for someone, anyone to tell us we are doing a good job. We don't need to be the best or the finest just our best and our finest. And even if we aren't at our finest, the fuel our souls need may sometimes  be that affirmation, "Good job! Well done!" And we find we can keep going, with just those words. We hold a lot of power in the things we say to people; in the affirmation we give, or don't give. It's a good reminder, if we are vocal about anything, to be vocal in praise. Expect the best and affirm the weak-hearted. You might be the only encouragement they'll have today.