I had been doing that thing again. You know, doubting God’s plan for me and the ministry he has called me to. I’d also been mentally chasing dollar bills in my mind – thinking how much “easier” it would be to go get a paycheck somewhere else. Add to that, we’ve had to make some tough family decisions recently. And I’m getting burned out with h my other volunteer commitments.
I was feeling very frustrated, uncertain and useless.
And then 4 times in four days I received just what I needed to right my quickly sinking ship.
Encouragement.
The first was in the form of an email from a parent on the team where I serve as a volunteer Team Mom – working 20-30 hours a week in this part of the season. It’s a big job, one I do because I know I’m called. But there are days it’s frustrating and time-consuming and I just want to quit!
And then after sending one of the many parent emails of the week I opened my inbox to find this:
How could he have known I was feeling so frustrated?
The second was in the form of a personal conversation. Just yesterday a friend who had read a blog I wrote on over-committing said to me, “I want you to know that at least 8 times in the last week I have used two questions from your last post. It has blessed me so much to think about what are my go-tos and am I uniquely qualified to do this task? And it has blessed my family in return because I’m not over doing. Thank you!”
How could she have known I was feeling so useless?
The third encouragement was from several friends over just the last 24 hours. We’re facing some hard decisions for our family right now, and its quite difficult. And then friends said just what I needed to hear: “You’re good parents.” “You’re making a wise decision.” “God will bless your faithful stewardship.”
How could they have known I was feeling so uncertain?
The truth is many of us face situations that make us feel frustrated, useless and uncertain each and every day. And all of us need encouragement from others to help us press on with faith that God’s got this, and he has our very best in mind all the time.
So if you’re wondering if you should reach out to someone in your life and offer up some encouragement the answer is yes!
photo courtesy of sxc.hu @knox_x
If you do you could impact them in these significant ways:
- Keep them from giving up.
- Show them what really matters.
- Remind them what they do means something.
I’m sure glad the people in my life gave me needed encouragement this week.
It’s made all the difference to me.
Was there a time you received needed encouragement? How did it impact you? Share in the comments below.