This week I had the joy of attending our Texas Baptist state convention. It is always like a family reunion. I get to see colleagues and partners in ministry. It reminds me that we are all part of a bigger movement than just one church. On Monday morning, I ran into a friend I had not seen in a while. He was a professor I worked for as a graduate assistant many, many years ago. As we talked, he thanked me for an email I had sent him over a year ago.
The purpose of the email was to tell him how much he means to me and to thank him for the impact he has made in my life. I remember sending the email but I had to go back and dig up the email to remember what I had said. In that email I shared with him that I had had lunch with a wonderful man earlier that day who made the statement that he was tired of learning about people at their funerals and we all need to do a better job of appreciating people while they are still with us. I was so touched by his words that day that I was inspired to reach out to a number of people who have poured into me over the years.
Through reflecting back on all I have just shared, I have renewed a commitment to myself and to the Father to be a better encourager. I challenge you to do the same today. Don’t wait until bad health or crisis forces you to share what someone means to you. Stop what you are doing — right now — and pick up the phone or write an email to someone who needs to hear how you feel.
I have committed to encourage at least 3 people per day. What would our world look like if we all made the same commitment?
Something to think about.
Be a blessing today!
Do you enjoy waiting? I can tell you I cannot stand to wait – it frustrates me. I can also tell you that if you are in a hurry to get in and out of the grocery store and you see me in line at the check out – pick another line. Why? Because I am the world’s best at picking the line that will move the slowest!
We are two weeks away from knowing the identity of the next president of the United States. Division in our country continues to grow and I fear it will only get worse after the election. Regardless of where people stand politically, I continue to hear fear and anxiety in the voices of those with whom I visit about the fate of our nation.
We are no different. We need God’s truth flowing into us so that we can bear fruit.
are a masterpiece of His creation. God’s fingerprints are all over you.
It doesn’t matter where we find ourselves today, God is in our midst. Allow God’s presence to bring you peace – the thought of His presence to bring you joy.
Clay in the Hands 