Last week, I shared a lesson that I learned from my trip to the Free Will Baptist National Convention this year. But there was another experience I had that week that I just couldn’t resist sharing with you, so that’s what this week’s blog post is going to be about.
My wife, Karen, has been working with children at the convention for many years. She leads music for the kids’ services, and she also directs the children’s choir, which performs before the entire convention every year. She works very hard and loves teaching the kids songs about God every summer.
This year was no different. But as Karen was finishing up one of her children’s choir rehearsals, something out of the ordinary did happen. She was approached by a young lady, probably 14 or 15 years old. And here’s what she said:
“Hi. You may not remember me, but I grew up coming to your classes every chance I could get. I loved them. And I wanted to let you know that growing up, I always wanted to be just like you.”
Karen was blown away. In tears, she gave the girl a hug and thanked her for her kind words. And that moment, that simple act of encouragement, really stuck with her. It stirred her heart. It energized her and reminded her exactly what her work was all about.
When she told me this story, I was so happy for Karen. And it made me think: How much better would our lives be if we each followed this girl’s example of encouraging those around us?
I’m sure we can each name at least a handful of people who have had a significant positive impact on our lives, the way Karen did on that girl at the convention. But have we expressed to them how much we appreciate them? What kind of mark they left on us? Or have we neglected to even so much as as say, “Thank you”?
Encouragement goes a long way. It lets people know that what they’re doing matters, and it might just spur them on to keep doing it. So if someone’s made a difference in your life, why not reach out and tell them? They’ve been an encouragement to you; perhaps it your turn to be an encouragement to them.
Here’s what I’m committing to: I’m going to be more intentional about telling those I’m thankful for how I feel. Not just that I appreciate them, but why. My goal is start to regularly writing letters to different people who have inspired me throughout my life so that they know the difference they’ve made. I hope that it will be an encouragement to them.
To give myself a head start on this practice, I’ll be using these Encouragement Cards
What about you? Who’s made a difference in your life, and how can you be an encouragement to them? It might be as simple as a card or a bouquet of flowers or even a phone call. Whatever it looks like, I challenge you to be an encouragement to someone in your life today and every day.
To your fitness!