A kindergarten teacher was observing her classroom of children while they drew, occasionally stopping to observe each child’s artwork. As she got to one little girl laboring diligently, she asked what the drawing was.
The girl replied, “I’m drawing God.” The teacher replied, “But no one knows what God looks like.” Without missing a beat or even looking up from her drawing the little girl said, “They will in a minute.” Those who set goals and attempt what others feel is impossible can expect criticism. Never accept criticism from anyone who doesn’t have your best interests at heart.
Don’t feel like you have to respond to everyone who has an opinion, especially those whose opinions are destructive and edify no one. A Yiddish proverb says, “A critic is like a girl who can’t dance, so she says the band cannot play.” Critics always know the right answers, but seldom probe deep enough to ask the right questions. Some people join the wrecking crew and criticize those on the construction crew. Don’t be a cloud because you can’t be a star. The Optimist Creed says, “Give so much time to improving yourself, and those around you have no time for criticizing.”
