Have you ever had “one of those days” where you could use some encouragement?
I had one today.
Scraped and bruised from a fall in last night’s softball game, I was uncomfortable to start.
Add a morning where hours of my work had to be undone. Throw in a bribe attempt in the afternoon that I still feel dirty about. I walked home from work frazzled and fuming.
I certainly wasn’t a shining example of Christ-like character at that point.
But then I checked the mailbox, and found a little blue envelope with my name on it.
It was from my church friend Manav.
Part of his note said, “The FRUIT of the SPIRIT is evident in you. You are a CHEERFUL Christian.”
Have you ever had “one of those days”?
I had one today.
I had a day that gave me umpteen excuses to be crabby and negative, but ended with me feeling blessed and optimistic.
All because of one random act of encouragement.
I doubt that Manav knew how timely his message would be, or what an effect it would have on me and my day. But knowing Manav and his prayerful nature, I’m sure that he followed God’s prompting in writing and sending it.
And I’m so glad he did.
My friend Manav is an encourager.
I want to be one too.
Who can you encourage today?
David Rupert (4)
Just Sayin (4)
Liz McLennan (3)
ACA The Underground (2)
bill (cycleguy) (2)
Barbara Drewry (1)
Jennifer (1)
Julie Stewart (1)
Kevin Martineau (1)
Peter Graham (1)
{ 16 comments… read them below or add one }
Who were you trying to bribe?
Ricky Anderson recently posted..My Favorite Me
LOL. It was the other way around Ricky, the other way around!
Yesterday must have been a day of encouragement for me too. Took time out of my day to “mentor” a co-worker who could only articulate that she felt “lost” in her career. Whether or not I helped her decision making path, I did help her by telling her how I was there once too! Amazing how you feel better when you feel less alone – no matter what the issue. Glad to hear you got some encouragement too Larry! Hope someone is there when I need it!
I hope so too, Julie. Thanks for sharing!
Great reminder, earlier today a blogging friend of mine came to mind. I’m trying to act on these moments more often. I wrote on her FB wall and told her I was thinking of her and hoping she was having good day. I need to act on these promptings more often.
Me too, Eileen. I’m sure your friend appreciated your note!
Ahhh … the power of encouragement! It is indeed awesome!
Kevin Martineau recently posted..3 attitudes that will kill our joy in relationships
Awesome it is, Kevin. Cheers!
I can encourage my wife more. I had one of those days today as well. But thanks be to God it ended in a good note. God bless, Larry.
Juan Cruz Jr recently posted..Who do you reflect?
Glad to hear it ended well, Juan. Blessings!
Larry,
There is truly something sweet about being an encourager. That is something I have worked on this year and I am excited one day to hear how people were impacted. I may not know this side of eternity! To God be the glory!
Wade
How awesome it is that our encouragement can extend even beyond the people we know and encounter firsthand. Way to go, Wade!
Challenging. I like to be challenged.
Me too, Lazarus. Glad to have you here!
I found your blog via Bryan Allain’s “best ever” challenge. I really enjoyed it. Yesterday I had one of those days, and I needed the comfort and encouragement of a good friend. Your post reminds me that I have been intending to send a card to a friend, and I should get right on that task. Thank you!
Katherine Harms recently posted..Living in the Intersection
My pleasure, Katherine. I’m glad you stopped by!