Sunday, May 6, 2018

Be the encourager...




Sometimes I receive emails or messages from blog readers who encourage me about the things I share in my rambling posts and devotions. By taking those few minutes to send me a hug and share a little of how this blog lifts their day they are inspiring me to be a better Jenny, a more thoughtful and appreciative person, and to seek more deeply the riches of a life lived for Jesus.
Unlike ripples in a pond which clearly spread in widening circles after a pebble is tossed into the water, when we take time to encourage each other we rarely see how far that blessing will travel, but believe me, it does travel.
When we encourage, we are teaching others to encourage. 
When we inspire, we help others to inspire.
When we offer genuine praise, we are building one another up.
When we serve with a full heart, we are walking in humility and displaying Christ in our character, just as He who made Himself a servant displayed to us through His own example when He walked and lived among men.
But there are times when we do not stop to think about another, our mind being self-focused on our own agenda or troubles. We probably have no intention of being mean or careless with our words and actions, yet we are, and instead of being an encourager we stamp on others with our heavy boots of thoughtlessness. 
Yes, perhaps we're having a bad week or life is nothing more than a weary hike up Struggle Hill - but we can't use that as an excuse for our behaviour and responses. We just can't. 

Christ hung on a cross, naked and shamed (Hebrews 12:2), yet still showed compassion (Luke 23:34). 

This past year I've come to appreciate some lovely bloggers who share from their lives a wealth of encouragement to others with no intention of personal gain, only a desire to extend kindness, inspiration and a cheer from the sidelines.
Imagine if we all offered encouragement like this in our day to day lives?
I think of the checkout operator at my local supermarket, the lady who delivers our parcels, the neighbour we haven't yet gotten to know, and even the people we see so often that they may have become invisible.  
A few kind words, a thankful gesture, a welcome and grateful smile...these are gifts of encouragement that cost us nothing, but may mean the world to the person receiving it. 

Just some food for thought in the week ahead.

Hugs


25 comments:

Joyce said...

Thank you Jenny. Just this evening while walking the dog, I stopped to tell a woman how beautiful her roses were. She just beamed which made me feel so good. Sometimes a kind word brings happiness to both the giver and the receiver.

Ondrea said...

Your blog is a constant inspiration and you have such a beautiful and gentle way with words. What you have said is so true and food for thought. We also need to realise that we don't always know what is going on in people's lives particularly when they appear to be grumpy and self obsessed. We are all human and have human frailties but I do agree that a smile is not too hard to share. Angel hugs.

Rita said...

Your inspiration travels around the world, I'm grateful for your kind and wise words, from Sintra, Portugal receive a warm hug.
Bless you.

Denise Waterfield said...

I am a school bus driver and I see how far a simple smile or gesture can go. I try to see each child, that rides my bus, as an opprotunity to raise them up. Thank you for your encouraging words!! ENCOURAGEMENT WORKS!!

gracie said...

As always a very thoughtful post. I really enjoy my visits with you.

Little Penpen said...

Thank you for inspiring others, and yes, sometimes it's just a word or two that can make someone else's day. Thanks for the reminder!

Tammy Lyons said...

You are allays full of encouragement. If only there were more people in the world like you Dear Jenny. This would be a wonderful world indeed. I always treat people the way I want to be treated. I am always the same with everyone irregardless of who you are or how I am treated or mistreated. But sometimes it makes me weary dealing with others who aren't so nice or only seek to use me to their benefit . Then sometimes I have to walk away for my own sanity.

Allie-oops Designs said...

I love to be an encourager - great post Jenny, you are always and forever an encouragement to me and everyone who reads your blog!!

Winifred said...

What a beautiful post this Sunday Jenny. You inspire and encourage us all so thank you for everything you do & say.

Anonymous said...

Many times your inspiring words guide me through challenging times. Prayers!

Lin said...

Oh yes! xx

Anonymous said...

Dear Jenny, I love this community. Your blog brings me such peace and grounding. I have been recently widowed and am still struggling to adjust to being alone. I have always thought that being a homemaker and caring for my family as a calling from God. Now I am building a new life and this community is part of it. Thank you so much.

Brenda said...

Hello Jenny, As I am struggling to deal with my Fathers passing and other family matters, your words every day help me so much. Along with everyone who comments because I try and take the time to read their comments and then pray for them in my daily prayers also. It always fills my heart when I read your posts and also as I am stitching one of the projects you have shared with us so freely from your heart. Knowing that, I feel such a warmth and extra relaxed while stitching. Thank you and God Bless you and every one else who needs an extra hug and prayer today! I send mine to you truly full of love!

Tuppence said...

A ti siempre Gracias Jenny por tus maravillosas palabras.¡
Nora

Margaret said...

Yes, Jenny, the ripples of encouragement go far and wide! You are an encourager par excellence! From your blog and GD group each post is an encouragement to others and it is so very obvious from all the posts and comments that the gentle women support and encourage each other ... even if we don't share a common faith. There are not so many "degrees of separation" amongst us all! Sometimes, unbeknownst to us, the simplest of encouraging comments can have a huge impact on someones life. One reason I like to comment on people's work ... it may be a little spark that helps someone through their day, particularly if they are just beginning something they haven't attempted before or they are lonesome.

Angie in SoCal said...

You're always leading us in the right way, Jenny. Thank you.

Amy, a redeemed sheep said...

Thank you, Jenny...You are such a great example of a woman who seeks after God.

Anonymous said...

"a weary hike up Struggle Hill" I love the image that evokes, and it really makes me see I don't want to be that person. I may be struggling, and I may be weary, but I want to go up that hill with a smile on my face, and a hand stretched out to help others on the way, or even to give them a push up ahead of me. Christ said, "Love one another as I have loved you." If we strive to emulate what he did, which I believe with all my heart you do, Jenny, then we come closer and closer to fulfilling that commandment. Thank you so much for the things you help me think when you are speaking.

Nanna Chel said...

Well you are certainly an encourager, Jenny. It is one of the many gifts you have been blessed with. Your blog posts are always uplifting. By the way, the cowboys win on Friday night was uplifting too :-) I think the team was starting to get very discouraged and lacked confidence.

Christine B said...

What beautiful sentiments Jenny. Thank you! Christine x

Janice said...

It really doesn’t take much to share a kindness. What a pity it doesn’t happen more often. However, once given, it often starts a flow on effect. Let’s start a tsunami

KingsailK said...

AmenSending loads of love from N.Irelandxx

Unknown said...

Amen to your beautifully inspiring words.
I don't think anyone sets out to be rude or 'ornery, they usually have a very good reason for the things said or done.
If I get a snappy comment I always ask if they have had a good day, or more accurately I ask if they are ok because they look harassed or sad. I have always found that by asking they share the burden and feel better that someone cared.
No matter where we re, or how busy we are, or even if we are having a bad day, be careful not to pass that on without thinking, and remember Jesus took any opportunity to share the good news and it is now our job to try.
Thank you Jenny x

Anonymous said...

Jenny, blessings for your encouraging and beautiful words. I always look forward to your inspiring post.
...where do I find your sugar-free recipes? Thank you, Rose

Carla said...

Amen
Thanks for sharing your talent, thoughts and inspiration