Your Crosses my Crosses, the Holy Cross
Be an Encourager
Photo by Alexandr Podvalny on Unsplash
“Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.” Proverbs 16:24
Today I received some very encouraging words from my friend. Her words blessed my heart. Do I take the time to compliment someone with an encouraging word?
It only takes a moment for me to be an encourager to someone today. Perhaps it will be the clerk at the grocery store, friend, stranger, or family member. I ask the Holy Spirit to open my heart to whomever God brings into my path this day. Jesus and his disciples were definitely in the 'encouragement business' by the way they encountered each person. Jesus desires I do the same. “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11
However, it is easy to slip into what I call tunnel vision. Tunnel vision is when I am so focused on my little world and the tasks at hand, I don't notice the person in front of me that just might need a smile or an encouraging word. I ask to be delivered from this self-centered tunnel vision.
Reflection:
I pray that I remember to be kind to each person because we are all fighting a difficult battle.
“May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus.” Romans 15:5
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About the Author
Connie Beckman resides in Helena Montana with her husband and their dog Chewie and their two cats Heidi and Bailey. A number of years ago, she was the editor and feature story writer for a small bi-weekly newspaper. Connie has been published in a number of Catholic magazines. Margaret Ann Stimatz, Ruth Lloyd, and Connie co-authored a 40-day-reflection booklet entitled: Mercy for Little Souls which contains tidbits about the late Father Stu Long's powerful ministry with quotes from the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska: Divine Mercy In My Soul. Mercy for Little Souls is available at Beyond.227.org. Her desire as a writer is to encourage Catholic spiritual growth by sharing the truths of the faith through the written word addressing a variety of subjects. "Go out to all the world and tell the good news." Mark 16:15.
