I Believe in You

     We were walking in from recess, leaving the battleground of the softball diamond behind us. As teachers are wont to do, I listened in with interest to the conversation of a couple students walking a few feet away.

    "Next time," said Lamar, "I'm gonna hit it to the volleyball court." 

    Verle looked at him with a challenging air. "OK, do it then."

    I wondered where the conversation would turn. I've heard far too many such responses result in boys bragging of doing the impossible or else start running each other down. To my surprise, Lamar answered humbly.

    "Well, I'll try," he said.

    Verle's answer was simple and pure: "I believe in you," he responded.

    If only we found ourselves being that supportive! Do we lift up those around us as they share their fondest hopes and dreams, or do we drown out their flickers of inspiration with the cold waters of skepticism and healthy doses of pessimism?

    Imagine the possibilities if we give others our confidence! Envision the hope and courage we can spread if you and I tell others we believe in them. Try it. Give someone else room to grow. Lift someone up. Grant them confidence.

   Have a good week. I believe in you!