Volume 60: Rest in Encouraging Others

I mentioned last week that I had listened to a Podcast about complimenting and just sending the text. Well, I have still been thinking about this concept all week - what holds us back from saying what we are thinking and why isn't the world full of more compliments! Here's a blurb of my attempt of processing:

I have spoken at weddings, graduations, classrooms, YL club rooms, camp worship services and morning assemblies. But the most impactful setting that I have spoken in is at four funerals. I would mark those four days down as four of the hardest days of my life, but of course I did not pass up an opportunity to share the reasons I loved my grandmothers, grandfather, and best friend. All four times, as I prepared what I was going to say, the reoccurring thought in my head was “why did I never tell them _______ before.” And there began my personal goal of speaking up. Speaking life. Speaking gratitude. I no longer want to hold back my thoughts. I do not want to wait until birthdays or funerals to tell the people around me why I love them.

When I think about how I love the way Elliott remains consistent in her faithfulness, I want to tell her! 

When I think about how I admire the way Yellerton extends grace to others, I want to tell her! 

When I think about how I learn from Debbie's quickness to pray in all circumstances, I want to tell her!

When I think about how Frannie makes everyone around her feel welcomed and seen, I want to tell her!

When I think about how Merry Grace fully buys into whatever she is doing, I want to tell her! 

When I think about how Adeline thinks deeply and carefully before she speaks, I want to tell her!

Yet, so often, we hold back to speak encouragement or share our gratitude. What if I come off as too much? What if they begin to feel like it’s all just words? What if it is awkward? What if…. But then, I think to myself, when have I ever received affirmation or a note or a text and not smiled or felt a sense of joy! It is always worth it. It always means something. 

It doesn’t have to be a ten minute speech or a five page letter (although we know I love those!). All it is the practice of speaking out the things you think. Our voices can be used for so many reasons. What if everyone chose to use their voice to speak up, to speak life into the people they love! I really think this world would be a better place. Make the phone call! Send the text! Write the card!

May we be quick to encourage and love those around us, as we follow Jesus's example!

These days, I am learning a lot about prayer. Prayers of petition, prayers of adoration, breath prayers, etc. And I can already see growth in my prayer life. More to come on that soon, maybe next week if we're lucky!