'Shout it from the roofs...'

Og Mandino said it well when he wrote: 'when I am moved to praise I will shout from the roofs.' I've remembered that since I first read it over thirty years ago. To me it is about the importance of giving people the credit that they have earned.

I was in a Visiting Teaching workshop last week when one of the sisters told of the valiance of her Visiting Teacher, who rode her bike to appointments when a car wasn't available. Another sister said, "yes, I know who you mean - she is my Visiting Teacher too - and she is wonderful!"

"Who is it?" I asked, although I thought I already knew. Ros is a very quiet and diligent sister who I thought could probably really use some unexpected recognition. She doesn't ever look for acknowledgement, but I think it would have helped all of us in the group to appreciate and value this sister a little more too, since she is often overlooked. I really hoped to have her 'outed' as our worthy role model.

Ros was actually sitting with a bowed head next to the good sister who had spoken first, who answered my question with a shake of her head - as if she felt that naming Ros would have been inappropriate somehow.

When I spoke to Ros afterwards, to tell her that I appreciated her good example, and knew that she had made a real difference in the lives of many because of her good works, she let me read a thank-you letter that she had received from one of the ladies she visited. It was very touching and instructive to read and I wish we could have heard it read out during the lesson. I don't think Ros would have minded people knowing that she was the diligent Visiting Teacher being referred to.

I think that always acknowledging people in a positive way is very important. I wish it always happened.

What do you think? And why doesn't it always happen?