I walked into my study after service Wednesday night to find a couple of envelops on my desk. They were decorated with foam stickers and drawings in crayon. I could not wait to open them and see what super message they held inside! I opened the first one to find a letter that had this Scripture printed on it in cute, little kid font: * Let’s see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out. She had signed it with her name and also with, “Pastor Mike we love you.” As my eyes sprung a leak while opening the other one I found the same Scripture with different pictures and colors. This one was also signed, “Thank you Pastor Mike for all you do.” Apparently their teacher had taught them about encouraging others. I am so thankful that they left these on my desk. It was perfect timing.
This has been a tough month for me. As many of you know life goes on even though it seems to stop for those in bereavement sometimes. I have been consoled and encouraged by many during these past few weeks as they expressed their love and sympathy for me. I live to encourage others as you already know by these messages I have been writing and sending since 1999. I love to see people encouraged and especially when they need it the most. Many times I have had people write and tell me how much these messages have touched them at just the right time. God knows what we need, how much we need, and when we need it. He also knows exactly the person we need it from too! To know these kids spent time decorating these letters with me in mind was overwhelming.
Take time to encourage someone today. Do it sincerely of course. Let them know they are appreciated. You may be the very person they need it from today. Find an inventive way to do it. Surprise them. Ask God to give you the words, the Scriptures, and the technique. It will bless their hearts.
Father; thank You for what You did for me by way of these kids. Bless them Lord. Thanks Jesus!
*Peterson, E. H. (2003). The Message : The Bible in contemporary language (Heb 10:23).
