Steve and I had stopped for brunch at a restaurant near an interstate exit. When he slipped the waitress his usual extra-generous tip, she gasped and her eyes began to fill with tears.
“I don’t know what to say,” she cried. “Thank you! You don’t know what this means to me.”
She was right; we didn’t. Emily[1] never said a word about the challenges she faced. We’d seen her radiant smiles, enjoyed her friendly attitude, and appreciated her thoughtfulness to keep our coffee cups filled.
We’d heard respect and cheerfulness in her voice–all coming from a heart submitted to Jesus. We knew that much.
The three of us chatted a bit and we affirmed to Emily the fine character traits we’d witnessed, and the truths that God loved her and had her best interest at heart. It was our prayer God would use our gift as a demonstration of his attentive care.
On the way out, the hostess stopped us. “Emily just told me what you did for her,” she said quietly. “That girl is going through a very rough time right now; she will never forget your gift!”
No doubt you too can remember when a word of affirmation or gift of appreciation greatly ministered to your spirit. Perhaps it occurred when you were struggling, wondering what God was up to, and feeling starved for encouragement.
Like Emily, when the affirmation came, your spirit filled with wordless wonder.
Also a wonder? That those who give are even more blessed than those who receive [2]. Have you noticed that such moments of benevolence seem divinely energized by the Spirit of God?
It’s downright thrilling to be used by him in uplifting others with affirmation and encouragement—two words not as synonymous as I once thought.
Affirmation indicates approval of what is already known or perceived—like the character traits we’d seen in Emily.
Encouragement inspires a person to persevere into the future—like the truths about God we shared with her. We benefit from both.
Scripture includes numerous passages that remind us what is true about God and what he thinks about us, passages that encourage and affirm our own spirits, equipping us to share the same with others.
Here are several verses and assurances to get us started. I pray you find affirmation and encouragement in the following:
- I have been remarkably and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14).
I am not an assembly-line product.
I was deliberately planned, specifically gifted,
and lovingly positioned on earth by the Master Craftsman.
–based on a quote from Max Lucado’s The Christmas Candle
- “My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I too am working”—Jesus (John 5:17).
- “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand”—Jesus (John 13:7).
I cannot read his future plans, but this I know:
I have the smiling of his face, and all the refuge of his grace,
while here below.
–Unknown (quoted by Herbert Lockyer in Seasons of the Lord, 100)
- I am one of God’s special possessions, commissioned to declare his excellencies (1 Peter 2:9).
I pray your spirit is affirmed and encouraged.
And now, who can you refresh today?
(Our experience with Emily hasn’t been a one-time event. Should you wish to read similar, special-moment stories, click on one of these posts:
- https://nancyaruegg.com/2017/10/19/tollbooth-encounter/
- https://nancyaruegg.com/2020/03/12/agents-for-god/
- https://nancyaruegg.com/2015/04/23/a-chocolate-celebration/)
[1] Name changed.
[2] Acts 20:35
Art & photo credits: http://www.pixabay.com; http://www.pickpik.com; http://www.canva.com (2); http://www.pexels.com; http://www.rawpixel.com (2); http://www.pxhere.com.
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This heartwarming story, along with your three other stories linked here, were such a pleasure to read! This sentence from “A Chocolate Celebration” summed up the happy endings of all four awesome accounts: “And all because we took a small moment and magnified its significance, and we gave God the glory as we celebrated a God-orchestrated event.””
Thank you for reading all three, Nancy! It’s a great delight to be part of such God-orchestrated events!
You’re welcome, Nancy!
I can’t say I have ever given much thought to those two words. This is a meaningful discussion. You certainly represented Jesus to this young lady, giving her more than a generous tip when you gave her affirmation and encouragement. Have a blessed week, Nancy!
Thank you Linda. You’ve got me thinking–we did seek to represent Jesus to Emily, but then she represented Jesus to the hostess, and perhaps to other coworkers, family, or friends. We often forget about the ripple effect of our words and actions.
Oh, how this story filled my heart with joy! There are times when we just know that the Lord has guided us in being generous and loving toward people when we’re not even sure why or how. He knows their needs, and ours, before we ask. Thanks so much, Nancy, for inspiring us here today.
You’re welcome, Martha. I’m so glad this story brought you joy. It IS a delight to be used by God in circumstances we KNOW had to be engineered by him!
Loved this story, Nancy ! And the other three too! I like how Steve says he’s God’s agent. We can all learn from your stories. Thanks for sharing them.
You’re welcome, Mary. Praise God for these opportunities in which we get to participate in his work!
As Max Lucado mentioned, we’re not assembly-line products. God loves us enough to make each of us, made in His image, intentional and beautiful in His eyes. I love the story of Ginny and your gracious gift to her. What’s remarkable is you noticed a need and pursued it. You sought to be the purveyors of God’s goodness to another. A lesson not only of generosity but of compassion and being present. Thanks for that reminder, Nancy. I read all four of your articles and was reminded once again about how our hearts need to be open to His leading and guiding. Listening isn’t easy in a very loud word. Thanks for this, my friend.
Perhaps as the years have gone by we’ve become more attuned to those in need of encouragement and affirmation. As I said to Mary above: we praise God for these opportunities in which we get to participate in his work!
Spontaneous gratuity is a wonderful mechanism to show faith in another. It’s a chance encounter with someone who provides a service. You probably won’t get to know them much beyond what they’re paid to do. But character is reflected in attitude and action. I’d say I tip as much for the service as for my belief in the individual at hand. Your approach (and mine) is entirely more meaningful than mandated tipping or suggested percentages.
It’s one thing to express affirmation and encouragement with words to someone who’s serving us, but when we back it up with a generous tip, it augments the value of the words, I think. It’s all about planting seeds of faith wherever go. (Lord, keep me mindful!)
Wonderful post!!! Thank you for sharing this inspirational message. I loved the story that you shared, and the passages from scripture. Wishing you blessings in these January days!
We HAVE enjoyed blessings these cold January days–thank you, LInda. Just enjoying our cozy home while temps hit single digits is a blessing in itself. I’m so glad you found inspiration here–praise God!
I love the explanation of affirmation and encouragement. I have seen these attributes demonstrated as Aaron goes about our community in different settings. And I also love the quote about how God is never still – He is always working. It’s a great reminder of the truth of Psalm 46:10, my mother’s favorite verse. I am to be still and know that He is God, letting God do all the work for me. What a joy, but hard to do sometimes. Have a blessed weekend, Nancy!
I’m right there with you, Patty, taking joy in God’s attentive involvement in my life, yet finding myself running ahead without him now and then! Sometimes my Christian walk is two steps forward one step back, but praise God he celebrates progress not just perfection! He is a loving, compassionate Father who knows what we’re made of, remembering that we’re dust (Psalm 103:14 HCSB). Hallelujah!
Love in deeds not empty words is what your husband and you did for the waitress. I rejoice Jesus reached her through you.
Thank you, Matt. We certainly rejoice when moments like this occur!
Thank you for all the reminders of encouragement. I try to pass on encouragement by sending cards to others – saying I’m thinking of you – or you are a blessing. It still amazes how grateful people are when they get the card….which tells me we need to pass on encouragement more than we do.
That’s a very worthy ministry, Barb. Handwritten notes of encouragement are rare these days. They are precious gifts to the recipients!
What a great experience for you and the server!
Seeing John 13:7 referenced in your blog ties in perfectly with something the Lord led me to this week:
“Sometimes God will slow you down so that the evil ahead of you will pass before you get there. Your delay could mean your protection. He Is a good God! Amen.”
What an insightful observation! Thank you for sharing it with us, Cheri. Indeed, God’s goodness knows no bounds!
Dear Nancy, this is a situation we can all relate to … may we look into the eyes of those who serve us and take care of us and speak blessings of encouragement into their weary souls. May the sweet spirit of Jesus be evident in how we treat all those we come in contact with.
Amen, Linda–worthy words to turn into a daily prayer!
I loved this Nancy… I can only imagine how many servers you Steve have blessed over the years! And what a critical time it is to be sowing affirmation and encouragement!! Thanks for the inspiration!❤️
Thank you Lisa. I agree it’s a critical time to be affirming and encouraging. Statistics indicate there are numerous people who are suffering through loneliness, depression, financial hardship, drug and alcohol abuse, dysfunctional relationships, and more. May we not miss an opportunity to share the peace, hope, and joy we have in Christ!
The fact that we really DON’T know what is going on in another life should make us so careful! Thank you for sharing your story!
TT
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