Sacrificial Encouragement

Today has been long and exhausting. I have worn many different hats today with a job this morning, an interview this afternoon, a long to-do list in preparation to leave on vacation, a baby with fever...the list goes on, as you all know and can empathize. We had a little bit of time before dinner must be started, and my sweet husband said 'Why don't you go lay down for a little bit?' (Bless him for noticing I could barely keep my eyes open and was about to topple over.)

I go downstairs to lay down for an early evening power nap (as we still have a 9pm appointment on the calendar for today), and my eye catches some mail on the table. There's a Save the Date with an adorable couple on it and their wedding date (our anniversary). This couple is our 9:00 appointment tonight for pre-marital counseling over the phone. I see their smiling faces and immediately look forward to this precious time with them. Amidst the mail is a package addressed to me, and as I read the return name and address, I begin to get excited.

I tear into the package and find a sweet, autographed devotional book. But the true treasure is peeking out from inside the book. It's a handwritten letter from a sweet, dear friend and wise mentor. It's someone that I've been waiting to hear from for a while, but have also been patient, knowing that she is experiencing struggles of her own.

I laid on the bed and began reading the letter, feeling the excitement of a child with anticipation of what the pages would hold. I read, I cried and I said a prayer of thankfulness and petitioned for comfort for this amazing lady. I was instantly energized and no longer needed to rest.

There is something about knowing that someone is hurting and the impact they can have when they choose to reach out and touch others' lives anyway. That is the story of this woman's life and her heart.

I don't know if you will see this blog post, but if you do, you know who you are and I thank you. Thank you for your countless, selfless acts of kindness and encouragement. I am inspired by you and your example.

May we all seek to reach out to someone today who is hurting and offer vulnerability, encouragement, love and hope.