Words or notes of encouragement are priceless. Even when Jesus warned his followers, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world”. Jesus made sure there was encouragement following his remark about trouble. Jesus is greater than any trouble we could ever face. There is nothing He cannot get us through.
I recall working in the cafeteria in the elementary school in Springdale between my bus routes. The kids would open their lunch boxes mom or dad had prepared. They always looked for the note their parents had put inside. I would walk by during kindergarten lunch, and some had trouble reading their notes, I would read their notes to them and then add, “tell Mr. Pillow I said hi!” My nickname was Mr. Pillow. A kindergarten girl named me that because she said it looks like I am hiding a pillow under my shirt! Even though that was not very encouraging, I loved the nickname I wore for 7 years. Always put a note in your child’s lunch. It encourages them throughout their day to be positive.
Hardships in life are inevitable. We will all face them as Jesus promised. Without words of encouragement from friends or family our will to move forward becomes overwhelming at times. Encouragement helps people to feel important and valuable. It inspires people to continue and carry on with life.
At work encouragement develops outstanding employees. Employees who are reminded of the good work they do and how much they are appreciated work harder for their companies. Encouragement is almost the same as getting a shot of adrenaline in your arm. It puts a lift into your walk and a spark into you soul.
Barnabas was an awesome encourager during biblical times. What a blessing it would be to be called a Barnabas today. We can be encouragers in this life and have a legacy we leave where people remember us as an encourager, or we can tear people down and leave a legacy that no one wants to speak of.
Today, I encourage you to encourage one another in your daily walk. Put a note on your spouse’s mirror in the bathroom or car. Leave a note by the coffee pot. Simple words to start their day. You would be amazed at the difference a few words of encouragement can make in a person’s life. Do it today and every day after.
Jim Everett
