Off to the PTA program, the play in the gym or the Church stage we go. It’s time for your son, daughter or grandchild to perform on the stage to make their debut and yes you will be there to catch that moment with your camera. They perform and yes it was wonderful, so wonderful they receive a standing ovation from the audience. Then on the way home you tell them how proud you are of the way they acted out their part or sang their song. Pat on the back and the encouraging words; well you just couldn’t keep quiet about it; you took the time to call and tell everyone you could possibly think of. Yes, I can remember both times; the times when I was the center of attraction and the times I have encouraged my children as well as grandchildren. But you know what? Don’t know if you have noticed it or not but now that we are much older the words of encouragement are far and few between. I have tried to sing and then heard words like “don’t quit your day job.” Not much encouragement in those words. I have, as I’m sure you have, done your best only to find that someone else was talented enough to see the mistakes and was more than glad to tell you about them and share with you how you could improve. No standing ovation there, unless you call them standing up to tear you down a somewhat standing ovation. But you know what? I know if I have done good or bad, but just sometimes a word of encouragement would do me good as I’m sure it would you. I have learned to encourage myself. Like the little boy while in the backyard with his ball and bat. He says “I’m the greatest hitter in the world.” Then he tossed the ball into the air, swung at it and missed. “Strike one.” He then picked up the ball, threw it into the air and said to himself, “I’m the greatest baseball hitter ever,” and then he swung at the ball again. And again, he missed. “Strike two!” Then a third time he threw the ball into the air. “I’m the greatest hitter who ever lived.” He swung the bat hard again, and missed a third time. He cried out, “Wow! Strike three. What a pitcher! I’m the greatest pitcher in the world!” I still do that from time to time, but to be honest I’d much rather hear it from my wife or a family member or a good friend. You know what? I have the power within myself to encourage someone today. Think I’ll do that, it will do the both of us good, especially me. Gal 6:10
As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. Let’s you and I go encourage someone, give a good pat on the back and thank them for all they do.
