"When we get together, I want to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours." Romans 1:12 NLT
Yes, I noticed, I misquoted the song in my title. In "Home on the Range" seldom is heard a discouraging word. But I notice that at work and at home, at rest and at play, encouragement is hard to find. I am not very good at giving encouragement to my husband and kids; at work, I rarely get encouragement from others. When I do give or get encouragement, it can feel like a breath of fresh air....I suppose that's why the sky is not cloudy all day, back on the range. Discouragement, whether the silent kind or the spoken out loud kind, can certainly feel like a black cloud hanging over me.
When I make the choice to encourage, that cloud can lift. It feels wonderful to encourage someone...and it can also help lighten their load. The sky seems sky blue when I hear a word of encouragement from others: it may give me fresh perspective, it might give me a boost to try something new, or it may reassure me that I am doing the right thing. Part of the reason God has designed us to be in community is to encourage and be encouraged.
Lord, I give thanks for those around me who offer an encouraging word; it means so much. Help me to remember to encourage those around me, about matters big and small. Help me to share my faith story as encouragement, and be open to hear the faith stories of others. Thanks most of all for the letters of encouragement you have written to me in your Word.
Life Step: Write yourself a post-it note as a reminder to encourage anyone you meet throughout your day. Pay attention and give thanks if you receive encouragement.
No comments:
Post a Comment