Thursday, June 18, 2009

Being Encouraged III

Encouragement is so very important, for it enables us to forge ahead, change directions, or begin anew.

At the start of the day I got a one line text from my brother.

Robert:

Just thinking of what a wonderful person you are! Love you.

Me:

Thank you so much for that. Encouragement always helps on the road of becoming more of what I will yet be. You encourage me with your words and spirit of humility and love, not to mention your passion and dedication. You're great! I Love you.

Robert:

Thanks, Judith!

Me:

It's true! Reuben too! (His twin brother)

Robert:

Yes, he is special. Isn't he?

Me:

Indeed!

Now, I know for some these lines are not deserving of a post. But I share them because it is often the small things, the kind words of encouragement, that make the difference to others. Robert's words did so for me.

Encouragement is not about perfection, but about love.

Speak or text a single line of encouragement to someone today, perhaps even a pesky associate or nosey neighbor. You may be surprised of how encouragement changes their attitude towards you or builds a relationship anew.

"A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver."

--Proverbs 25:11

Encourage someone today; our words can make all the difference.

10 comments:

Pamela Cone said...

Thank you for sharing. I'm happy I found your blog.

Judith Ellis said...

Hi Pamela - Welcome. I too am happy that you found this space. Do come through again.

Opaque said...

Ah! the coincidence; I just spoke to my sis yesterday before her medical counselling (to get a medical seat in a university).

She did so well that she is offered a seat in the second best medical institute in India and her entire course fee has been waived off. I am so proud of her!

Yes, you are right! Encouragement is quintessential.

I must not to forget to mention your encouragement too Judith. I notice with all your comments comes a bag of best wishes, love and encouragement. I shall never forget that. Thank you!!!

A beautiful post!!!

Judith Ellis said...

Many congratulations to your sister, Ajey! That's awesome! Good on her. I remember auditioning for schools and how challenging that can be. All the best!

The beautiful thing about encouragement is that the words can also include that which doesn't exist yet. When we were growing up I remember my mother in our nightly prayers praying aloud for things that she desired yet to see:

"Lord, I thank you that Judith has more self control." Uh, that was truly encouragement, for such I most certainly lacked. But after hearing many versions of this same prayer, I began to think that I could indeed have more control over my mouth. I began practicing and things began changing--over time, of course. :-)

Thanks also for your kind words here. They are appreciated. Within my very core there is the desire to encourage others, to make a difference. Even when I have not done so I am at least encouraged by the effort.

septembermom said...

What a beautiful example of the love you share in those encouraging words! A kind word is the ultimate gift. Judith, you are blessed with a wonderfully giving family.

Judith Ellis said...

Yes, septembermom, I am indeed blessed with a giving and loving family. My mother did a superb job in this regard. But this is not to say that we have not had our challenges. We have. But never with one another that would ever alter our love and respect for each other.

Ryan Freed said...

Yes, encouragement is vital. You never know the outcome of your words, they can help someone greatly. All of your posts are very encouraging.

I am posting an article today about giving 5 sincere compliments a day. I will post the link when it is up.

Judith Ellis said...

Yes, Ryan! "We never know the outcome of our words." Thank you for that. Also, encouragement is essentially about others. So, in our efforts what is valualbe for others is what's important. But encouragement sometimes is hard hitting, though it should always be done in love. In such exchanges, in fact, in any exchange, "Wisdom is the principle thing." Looking forward to reading your article.

Ryan Freed said...

Didn't post the article 5 compliments today. Instead we posted Happiness and Joy, which is also very relevant to this post. It talks about doing things for others and not expecting anything in return. It will help you flourish in life and business.

http://www.emergingtiro.com/?p=233

Judith Ellis said...

Thanks, Ryan. I'll check it out.