Encourage One Another

"Therefore encourage one another." (1 Thessalonians 4:18)

We all need some encouragement from time to time. Wouldn't you agree?

There was a big football game yesterday. Some people are thrilled with the outcome and others are wondering what happened! That second group could probably use some encouragement this morning.

I've been thinking a lot about encouragement over the last few days. Countless numbers of people have encouraged me in these weeks of stroke recovery. One of the ways people encouraged me was by sending cards and letters.

I have quite a large collection of these cards that I received when I was in the hospital and in rehab. In the beginning, Al would read the letters to me, since I was unable to read them myself. Even though I often didn't understand what he was reading to me, I was encouraged by these letters, and I saved every one.

On Saturday, I got the box of letters out of the closet and read them all again. This time I read them myself! I was encouraged by the thoughtfulness of each person who took time to send me a card or note. I was encouraged to know I can now read them myself, even though I read much more slowly than I did before. Reading so slowly gives me more time to soak in what I am reading! And I was encouraged by the content of each message. Even the smallest note had an impression. Each word stamped encouragement on my heart!

There are so many ways we can encourage one another. Cards and letters offer just one opportunity. We can encourage one another with a kind word or a thoughtful gesture. Sometimes all it takes is a smile!

Who can you encourage today?

"Encourage one another, and all the more as you see the day drawing near."
(Hebrews 10:25 NASB)