I’m a smiler. Always have been.
I’m a see the glass half-full kind of gal.
Even when our family navigated through a really tough season, I tried to find a bright spot. Some silver lining that made the endless struggles tolerable.
I won’t sugar-coat it. Those five or so years were a trek in the desert. A time of intense testing.
BUT.
But at the heart of it all, there was the tiny, ever-present seed of hope. The belief that somewhere on the horizon there was a sliver of sunshine. A ray of promise that defied the gravity of our situation.
Pollyannish?
Not really. (Though, I do love her so.)
Since I’ve always relied heavily on my faith, an attitude of optimism is an extension of who I am.
It’s made the hard things doable.
It’s a gift.
And because life so often goes in fits and starts, I’ve come to appreciate this mindset.
When we trudge through the muck and mire of the unthinkable and we eventually make it through, it grants new perspective. It builds confidence and prompts growth.
It sharpens our focus. It differentiates between the mundane and what matters.
It doesn’t mean we’re unscathed or detached from reality.
It means we’ve survived and recentered.
Because I’m an optimist, I see the world as I always did, but I relate more intimately now to others who face unfathomable choices.
I well remember the desperation of that time not so long ago. The wellspring of emotion is always there—just below the surface, waiting to resurrect itself if given the slightest nod.
Like with most life-changing events, we can give in to the emotion or we can channel those feelings into something productive.
Something courageous.
You know—share our gift.
When we share encouragement, we make the conscious decision to change the dynamic of someone’s day.
We’re not hindered by protocol or politically correct.
We’re not hampered by appearances.
We’re moved to reach out. To think past the expected (or unexpected, for that matter).
That’s the thing about experiences. The good ones shape us, yes, but the bad ones mature us in ways we hadn’t dreamed. Hopefully, we’ll use our newfound maturity in a positive vein, with others in mind.
Two scenarios stand out.
One was a visitor to our son’s hospital room as he recovered from surgery. During the visit, the fellow talked about himself, his pain, his failed surgeries, his disillusionment with church.
His commentary was self-centered and agenda-driven.
Another visitor that same week took a different tack.
He smiled. He listened. He prayed. He encouraged.
His actions and words communicated concern and compassion.
Two separate visitors, two styles of ministry.
One, perfunctory duty.
The other, a genuine gift.
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ENCOURAGE SOMEONE TODAY
The thing that makes life doable when hard seasons come.
The difference between me-focused and you-driven. Do you have this gift?
What two different scenarios taught me about gifts.
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ADDITIONAL ENCOURAGEMENT
Love and Encouragement: The Heartbeat of This Blog
Hope: 20 Reasons to Throw Open Your Windows
What’s YOUR gift?
How do you share it with others?
Original Image Credit: Condesign/Pixabay
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See you back Friday! (And remember—my March newsletter goes to subscribers’ inboxes next week. Don’t forget to sign up for the fun!)
Much Love and Many Blessings,
Comments 2
Great encouragement on how to give ourselves away, gifting others with who God created us to be. Excellent!
Author
Julia, you bless me so much, my friend!