The Power of Encouragement
Last month my wife and I traveled to north Georgia, Lake Lanier specifically, to spend time at my sister’s home. On Saturday of that week all of our children and grandchildren came together for a low country boil. Of course, McIntosh County shrimp were the highlight of the meal. Everyone is insistent that I bring fresh shrimp for this annual feast, and I am more than happy to oblige.
We had a great time. There were four adults from our generation, our five adult children and four spouses, and then our combined eleven grands. The oldest of all of our grandchildren is my 17-year-old granddaughter. The youngest one, hers, has turned two since our gathering.
Pam and Stan have a pontoon boat and a jet ski, and they have a dock on an inlet of the Lake. To say that much gas was used, and several hours of time were put on those two watercraft would be an understatement. Kids were pulled on tubes, perhaps with the boat driver intentionally making it hard to stay afloat. We told stories, played games, laughed and even cried a bit as we talked about Mom and Dad, or Pa Pa and Granny as the younger generation called them.
When I left to return home I hugged my sister and thanked her for making the effort to plan this and to get us together. Then I said to her, “Mom would be proud.” I don’t think I have seen her light up like that in a long time. I didn’t say it in order to elicit that look. I genuinely meant it. But I was very glad to see that it meant something to her.
The Bible encourages us to encourage one another. We are to bear one another’s burdens. We are to help others live out the Christian life. As a pastor, part of my responsibilities would be to help and encourage others. But I am convinced that is the job of every believer.
So, here is my question and my challenge for you today. Who have you encouraged today? And if no one, who will you encourage tomorrow? Be an encouragement to someone today. It will actually be an encouragement to you if you will.
