When our daughter, Heather, and her family from Washington state come to visit all of us here (Her two brothers and their families live in our area.), we take our two granddaughters to the children’s museum.
This last time, Sophie (age eight) particularly enjoyed the simulated rock quarry, where children can learn about simple machines. Tools like shovels and wheelbarrows are provided. (That was three year-old Elena’s speed.)
Some of the equipment is more complicated, including, a rope-and-pulley scoop for picking up rocks then lifting them off the ground, and a crane to move the scoop over to a dump truck.
By trial-and-error Sophie figured out how to adjust the ropes for maneuvering the scoop into the pile of rocks, then tilt it upright. A tall, brawny boy—a football player in the making–came along to join in the play. He was probably about ten years old. I watched to see if he would use his size to take over the operation.
Instead, he and Sophie began to work together. He would pile rocks for her to scoop, then jump up to the heavy crane that would transfer the scoop over to the truck. He never bossed, but spoke respectfully. They had a grand time experimenting and problem-solving.
Once or twice the boy spoke to his mom. She was very busy keeping track of a younger son and toddler daughter. My thoughts returned to the days when our three children were young, and the exhaustion I experienced from time to time caring for them.
On our way out of the quarry-area, Heather, the girls, and I passed by that busy mom.
“Your son is a fine gentleman,” I said, then shared with her my observations.
A beautiful smile transformed her face. “Oh, thank you!” she enthused. “You never know if they’ll remember their manners.”
“Well, he sure is minding them this morning. You’re doing a great job!” And with a light squeeze on the young mother’s arm, I quick-stepped it to catch up with my girls.
Suddenly I noticed the atmosphere had changed. Those positive words meant to bless a busy mom had blessed me, too. An afterglow of joy filled my heart, just for trying to make someone else’s day a bit brighter.
Those wise words of Solomon proved true again:
(“He who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.”
–Proverbs 11:25b NIV)
Of course, more important is the affirmation-afterglow in the life of that young mother. My prayer is our little conversation provides her with encouragement and confidence to press on in her conscientious child-rearing.
I’m very hopeful of a such a result, based on my own experience at that stage of life. At least a couple of times when our children were small, a stranger stopped at our table in a restaurant and commended them for their calm behavior. Now, more than thirty years later, I still remember those spirit-lifting, confidence-building comments. (Although I must confess: at home they were anything but calm!)
I, for one, want to grow as an encourager—to strengthen the hearts of others as they face life’s challenges. Maybe you do too.
Just how might we achieve that goal?
- A good place to begin is to share positive words based on our observations—even with strangers like that mom at the museum, or with diners at a restaurant.
- Be specific and give examples about the positive traits we see. Folks are often blind to their own commendable behaviors.
- Express appreciation for anything and everything. (We’ve mentioned this behavior before, but I need the reminder.) We can also increase the power of a thank-you by adding a smile, eye contact, and maybe even a touch on the arm if appropriate.
- Show interest in the thoughts and activities of others. Validation is a more powerful form of encouragement even than praise.
- Encourage the encouragers! We can tell others how their words have blessed us, to keep determination and confidence flowing among us.
Encouragement is indeed a powerful force, fostering perseverance, strength, and hope.
Best of all, it brings glory to God as we affirm his character in those around us.
* * * * * * * * * *
Thank you, Father, for the privilege of ministering encouragement, for the delight you engineer in the heart of the one who receives and the one who gives. May I scatter seeds of strength, hope, and confidence wherever I go.
(Art & photo credits: www.visitflyovercountry.com; http://www.pinterest.com; http://www.quotefancy.com.)
From the Inside Out 
Encouragement is INDEED ‘oxygen for the soul’–those who give it and those who receive. What a delightful, inspiring story. Thank you, Nancy.
Thank you, Jody, for YOUR encouragement, almost since the beginning of this blog. You have often been oxygen for this writer’s soul!
Such a good post, Nancy, a most welcome reminder to be a Barnabus for someone each day . . . 🙂
Yes, Barnabas is a wonderful role model for us to follow. I like your idea of making it a practice to encourage someone every day. Thank you, Laurie!
Thank you, for that, Nancy. I, too, remember those couple of people stopping and talking to me in the store and keeping my heart encouraged! Thank you for being an encouragement to us!
AMEN!
Praise God you find encouragement here. That’s one of my prayers, that people who visit this blog revive THEIR hope, their confidence, their strength. Thank you, Heidi!
Nancy, you have encouraged me many times. Thank you. I have been asked to facilitate a grief/loss group at the church. Betsy T has graciously agreed to co-facilitate with me. We are calling the group “The Encouragers”, and expect to begin September 8th. Please remember us in your prayers as we daily remember you and Steve. Love you both.
Praise God, Ruth, that I’ve been a voice of encouragement to you! ‘Am pleased to hear of the support group you and Betsy will be facilitating–such an important need. You’ve chosen a wonderful name–the purpose of the group built right into it! I’ve added you to my prayer list and WILL be remembering you on a regular basis. Thank you for your continued prayers for US! Love, Nancy
what a great reminder. I can recall strangers affirming us as parents and have tried to pass it on but need to do this more often. We need so much more encouragement is today’s world. You encourage me so thank you, Nancy
You’ve got me thinking, Jean: the affirmations we pass on are another category of kindness we can pay forward. And you’re also right that, in our too busy, too self-centered world, folks need more encouragement than ever. Last, praise God I’ve been able to encourage you, Jean, because you have certainly been an affirming voice for me! Thank you and may God bless YOU as you graciously bless others.
I love your observation that the encourager also gets a blessing. SO true! Thank you also for such practical steps to help others.
You’re welcome, Dawn. Praise God for his inspiration!
It feels so good to impart encouragement… A compliment to a stranger on something they are wearing… A word of appreciation at the end of a phone call that I made for assistance… It is like a breath of fresh air to give and receive encouragement. Wonderful, uplifting post!
You’re right: encouragement clears the air of stress, DIScouragement, and despair–at least for a spell. Thank you, Cheri, for your faithful support and strength-building with your positive, thoughtful comments here. You ALWAYS lift my spirit!
Amen!
Thank you, Diane. You are a prime example of what true encouragement looks like, always affirming the positive that you see!
I loved this post Namcy…I love the word picture of scattering seeds of strength hope and confidence!! Also the point we bring glory to God when we affirm His character in those around us…I for one need to “open my eyes” more to those around me!! Thank you for this post!!! 💕
You’re welcome, Lisa. And thank you for being such an encourager to me all these thirty-plus years. I think your eyes are already open wide 🙂 , but God bless you for wanting to see even more opportunities to encourage!
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