We all need to be encouraged. The smallest kindness to me means a lot. I try to make it a point to tell people thank you and that I appreciate them – it’s a work in progress for me. I recently had an interaction with someone in customer service – can’t remember exactly where other than it was in person, but what I do remember is that she had been helpful and I said to her, “Thank you for your kindness”. She was taken aback by my comment, stuttered for her words, and then said, “Thank you”. It was clear that small act of encouragement meant a lot to her in her busy day.
Words are powerful. We need to surround ourselves with positive people and those who speak blessing into our lives. Negativity does not have a place and does not speak blessings into us. It serves the opposite purpose.
Here’s what God has promised:
Jeremiah 33:11 But the time is coming when you’re going to hear laughter and celebration, marriage festivities, people exclaiming, “Thank God-of-the-Angel-Armies. He’s so good! His love never quits,” as they bring thank offerings into God’s Temple. I’ll restore everything that was lost in this land. I’ll make everything as good as new.’ I, God, say so.
When I’m not feeling well, even the smallest kindness goes a long way. Actually, small kindnesses are always appreciated whether I’m feeling well or not. I would encourage you to consider the people with whom you come in contact. Everyone has a story. I enjoy watching people and wondering what their story could be. I’ve often likened it to people in a choir whose robes are pressed, hair is coiffed and makeup perfect. It would seem from the outward appearance that their lives are trouble free; however, in getting to know people, everyone has issues, concerns, illnesses (some life threatening) – all things we cannot see on the outside. When I had breast cancer, I would often look around at others as I rode the elevator. They had no idea what I was facing with surgery, chemo and radiation – all things that cannot be seen outwardly – and they were going through trials in their lives of which I had no idea.
When I’ve been at my lowest, Dwain, my family and friends, were there to verbally encourage me and to physically support me in my recovery. In our house we have long said, “We don’t do negative”. The power of being positive has been reinforced and proven again with everything we’ve been through together.
Encourage someone today. You never know how much they may need it. “Most of us, swimming against the tides of trouble the world knows nothing about, need only a bit of praise or encouragement – and we will make the goal. “– Jerome Fleishman
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