I sat in the middle of my bedroom floor with the big purple bin I've lugged around for 20 years. It's full of memorabilia, pictures, and letters. Those letters captured my attention this weekend. I read letters as old as 25 years, and others as new as a year. While reading through all of the cards and letters, I had a moment where I realized that all of these gifts were a result of God connecting hearts to encourage one another.
Most authors of the notes sent multiple notes. Sometimes, the letters were in return for a note I had sent to them. This was a wonderful reminder from God. An answer to prayer. Years later, I am still receiving encouragement from these very notes. They are fueling my heart to continue to do what I know God has called me to do - encourage others. I believe I am an encourager. I love to encourage people. When asked to describe my perfect job, I've always said it would be a position that allowed me to help someone else shine, and I truly mean that.
The thing is, as an encourager, sometimes your cup can run dry. Every now and then, a whispered word of hope to someone like me can be life giving. Hearing that our words helped someone else overcome, well, that gives us the ability to offer words of hope and restoration to others. Last weekend, I had the privilege of being invited to a bridal shower for a girl I babysat many years ago. I felt so honored to be a guest and to be able to shower her with blessings for her future. In return, my cup was full. The verse Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 was a reminder to me "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!"
God never meant for us to live this life in solitude. Look, I am an introvert, and I LOVE my solitude. I love quiet, and I need retreat from the demands of life often. But, I know that God desires for me to step out of that comfort zone sometimes and invite others into my space. Come into my home and talk or pray. Come with me to shop or to lunch. God desires for me to be a friend, to use the gift of encouragement that He's given me.
God never meant for us to live this life in solitude. Look, I am an introvert, and I LOVE my solitude. I love quiet, and I need retreat from the demands of life often. But, I know that God desires for me to step out of that comfort zone sometimes and invite others into my space. Come into my home and talk or pray. Come with me to shop or to lunch. God desires for me to be a friend, to use the gift of encouragement that He's given me.
Reading through those letters this weekend gave me a reminder that I matter. My story matters. YOU matter. YOUR story matters. It can often feel so minuscule in the grand scheme of life, but you really do have a story, and it really does need to be heard.
What has God written on your heart? What is your story? Join with me, and let's step out of the boat and walk with Jesus to see where He leads our story. Be encouraged friend, you are not alone.
What has God written on your heart? What is your story? Join with me, and let's step out of the boat and walk with Jesus to see where He leads our story. Be encouraged friend, you are not alone.
