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I dropped by a friend’s office a few weeks ago just to say hello. I found her staring at the computer screen with such intensity she didn’t even know I was there. After a couple of minutes of quietly waiting and watching I said, ‘Hey, what’s up?’ She replied, ‘Oh, nothing much, just frustrated.’
After our familiar exchange of hello’s we spent a few minutes talking about all the things that were impacting her life. Before I knew it we were talking about a lot more than frustrations. Between work and home, her ‘plate’ was full of issues that were stealing her joy and draining her energy. And, she could not seem to find her way out of the darkness and into the light.
The secular world makes it so easy to get caught up in the negative day-to-day struggles and forget the many positives we have to be thankful for. In this case, I felt like my role as her friend was to assess the situation as quickly as I could, and start to work on encouraging her to move forward.
God’s word in 2 Timothy 1:3 tells us that friends are a constant source of encouragement. I believe that with my whole heart. I have been blessed so many times by others. Sometimes it was a simple phone call, an email or text, a card in the mail, or spoken words that reminded me I was worthy of so much more than the messes or burdens that life throws us.
Encouraging others is a blessing. It could be your calling card. You could be the motivator, the cheerful giver, the good friend, or the high point to someone’s day. It’s so much more meaningful to be the ray of sunshine than the cloud of doom and gloom. In 1 Thessalonians 5, His word clearly says that we are to:
• Build each other up,
• Live in peace,
• Encourage the timid
• Be patient,
• Be joyful,
• Pray continually
• Give thanks
• Count on God’s constant help
People love to know they matter. Tell those around you what they mean to you. Specifically list qualities and strengths you appreciate about them. Remind them that even in the midst of trials and tribulations, God is in control. Above all, give thanks to your Heavenly Father for all of the gifts He has blessed you with. In fact, make a list of all He has provided and give Him thanks for each one.
As we look to the week ahead think about how you could be a source of joy and strength for others. Be a reflection of God’s love and be a constant source of encouragement for those around you. His presence gives us all the love and assurance we need to cheer on those who need it most. I’ll be praying for you.
Mitzi
Dear Mitzi,
I love this one! I’m so glad we got to have our short lunch the other day. I was able to encourage David with just these words you offered because he was still upset about not getting the job closer to Delhi with his family company. God is in control! Leave those worries behind you.
I also opened the door at my old high school for the future in God should want me there. I went and introduced myself to the principal and visited with him for awhile. We seemed to fit and got along very well. He knows I’m all about kids and would like to contribute more if I have the chance. I will attend some games and update my certification and possibly do some subbing. I will see where it leads.
Have a happy Sunday! Love, Lynn
Sent from my iPhone
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Mitzi, I beg you to put all of this in book form so that it’s easier for us to go back and re-read all the time, with enough space to scribble notes in the margins. I have gone back and read these and will do it many more times I’m sure. The blogs have so much meaning to me, as I’m sure they do to many others. I think we talked about the book form added with the pictures.
Love you! Lynn
Sent from my iPhone
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What an encouraging and wonderful reminder. Thank you! It’s truly those random acts of kindness that make the world a brighter place.
I needed this today!!!! Thank you!
Once again, that is a great message. You know I am a very positive person. I have always tried to remind my students that if they don’t have anything nice to say then don’t say anything at all. It is real easy to find negative things to say. So I always try to find something nice or positive to say to everyone I come in contact with. Have a blessed day.