By: Garlands Member Karen Stathakis
I think most of us appreciate being encouraged, especially when we are walking through a difficult time. Here at The Garlands, we have opportunities to encourage one another in many different ways:
- A smile and a greeting can be encouraging to anyone.
- A conversation in the hallway or over a cup of coffee at The Café can cheer someone up.
- A quick text or email just to touch base may be meaningful. I so enjoy exchanging short text messages with a friend of mine every morning. It began a couple of years ago as a wellness check between two friends; it’s become a connection I look forward to each day.
- A note or card that comes via snail mail can be especially welcome. I have a friend who sends an encouraging card to everyone on the church prayer request list. Who knows how many people have been blessed over the years by her words of encouragement and prayer!
- A phone call to someone who has been in your thoughts. Perhaps they came to mind for just that purpose!
While I am blessed to have “encouragers” in my life, I find it beneficial to encourage myself:
- I start my day by reading an uplifting devotional and spending some quiet time in meditation and prayer.
- I remind myself I have a God who loves me unconditionally.
- I keep a file of cards I have received over the years that have encouraging hand-written notes in them. Rereading
those heart-felt words always lifts my spirit.
When I have an attitude of encouraging others, I am encouraged myself. Encouragement is a two-way street – a great way to travel!
