Look For The Encouragers
“If you are a leader, you should never forget that everyone needs encouragement. And everyone who receives it – young or old, successful or less-than-successful, unknown or famous – is changed by it.”
John C. Maxwell
Last week, my wife received to text messages that really encouraged me.
The first message was from our next door neighbor. The text message included a picture of our neighbor’s three year old son wearing a new shirt. Along with the picture was a message saying “Mr. Jon will like this shirt.” Apparently, I had made a connection with my little neighbor. This text message encouraged me!
The second message was from another neighbor. This text message shared something from her nine year old son. When asked by one of his teachers who teaches us about God, he answered Mr. Jon. I’ve given this young man copies of my two books (Rooftop Reflections and On Track). This text message encouraged me as well!
It has been another challenging week. In the wake of last Sunday’s post (Life Giving or Life Taking), I’ve been writing down the things each day that have brought me life along with the things that have sucked the life out of me. Needless to say, these two text messages made my list of things that brought me life.
We need encouragers in our lives. When the writer of Hebrews told us to meet with people who will spur us on (Hebrews 10:24-25), I think he was recognizing the importance of having encouragers in our lives.
When I think of people in my life who have encouraged me over the years, I think about my wife (she’s an amazing encourager), my parents, my former boss (Craig), several of my youth leaders, and some close friends. These are the kind of people I need in my life.
Today’s message is simple: Look for the encouragers, and find a way to be an encourager for someone TODAY!
Who encourages you? How can you encourage someone today? Share your thoughts in the comments.
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
I Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV)