Was reading Dale Carnegie's "How to Win Friends and Influence People" that Hanes lent me at the middle of this year. Think it's a must-read for anyone who wants to win friends. :)

He has a very astute observation of human nature, coupled with extensive readings and research.

His first 2 principles:
1. Don't criticize, condemn or complain.
2. Give honest and sincere appreciation.

So decided to start small. Bought a farewell gift for my maid - a box of really good-looking chocolates. She was very touched. Have bought one for my new maid too - but *shhh* planning to give her for Christmas. ;)

As Carnegie humorously quoted, "He who understands this principle [of appreciating]... even the undertaker will be sorry when he dies."

Realised that appreciating people is so important. Actually, I enjoy affirming others, but sincere heartfelt appreciation is not easy. It takes hard work - you have to NOTICE in order to appreciate. Otherwise you'll only be mouthing empty words - like inflated dollars due to overprinting. Recognised that I'm guilty of overusing nice-sounding words sometimes - mainly due to insecurity, subtly wanting ppl to reciprociate in kind.

But was trying to see it better from a Biblical viewpoint. Then realised that Dale Carnegie's advice can be expressed more simply as this: People crave for grace.

Sinners, even the greedy tax collectors and the immoral prostitutes, were so drawn to Jesus. Why? Perhaps it's because they knew that this holy man was different from the religious teachers and lawyers of the day. He actually saw the good in them. He saw them as men and women, not labelling them. Though He also spoke the truth to them, "Go and sin no more," He yet did it in such a way that people didn't feel condemned. "For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ."

Then it makes me think. We appreciate people, who are made in God's own image - wouldn't He be pleased with appreciation of He Himself? And yet He's so selfless that He asks, "Do you love Me? Then love my people."