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A Little Word

 




    I know a little bit of sign-language, and I expand my vocabulary by watching video tutorials of how to sign worship songs. I have learned four songs that way so far, and I think I learned 30 or more new words from them. The context of a song is what keeps the words cemented in my memory.

    The latest song I learned was “What a Beautiful Name.” Before learning how to sign the song, I did not even know how to sing it. Now I can both sing and sign it. Just yesterday I had an opportunity to use a word from the song: wonderful.

    I work nearly every day with a person who is deaf. My desire to communicate led me to continue learning ASL, and it has opened a path of mutual appreciation between us. Last night I got the person’s attention and signed, “You are a wonderful worker.” The person clapped and actually beamed.

    Perhaps in spoken English, I wouldn’t have chosen the word “wonderful,” using a more mediocre “very good,” but with the descriptive word, I was able to communicate importance to a fellow worker.

    I made the other person happy, but it also felt really good to me. It felt good because it took work to be able to be able to say such a simple thing as a compliment.

    Kindness has two recipients: the receiver and the giver. “Give and it shall be given to you” is really true. Never underestimate the value of a compliment.

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