With trouble to the left and right of you, seemingly every where you look … I am encouraged by a friendly smile, a gentle touch, a considerate and thoughtful act.

I am encouraged by those that take the time to show that they care.

There are days when it seems as if NO one cares.  People are so busy with their own lives that they rarely have time to be concerned with yours at all.  And I’m not talking about the nose-in-your-business kind of being concerned.  I could do without those thrill seekers and gossip mongers looking for something to spread all over town, or those that “come to see” at a trying time or at a time when they know you’re struggling … or the world’s worst time to put that into practice is when you’ve lost someone you love more than life itself, and someone comes “just to see.”  I had a coworker that admitted she was one of those types of people.  ~I shudder at the thought!~

Of course, there are going to be long lost people that you haven’t heard from in a while, yet they resurface in your life when they KNOW you’re going through a hard time.  Why do they resurface at times like this?  They aren’t there to encourage you.  They are only there to bring you down, or even to kick you when you’re down.

In this world that we’re living in today, though, I can take heart that not everyone is this way.  Oh thank you GOD that there are still genuine people in this world that just want to love, support, and be there!

The world needs more of that!

That … THAT encourages me more than anything … when someone will push all things aside just to let you know that they care … they love you … value you … and you are so important in their life!

All it takes is a heart-felt gesture.  And it changes everything!

When given the opportunity to be an encouragement by spreading cheer and positive energy every where you go … do you choose this path?

Or how about this?

Do you give your best to those around you in your work day – your co-workers, the secretary, the receptionist at the front desk, the boss … or even those you encounter behind the counter or at restaurants serving you when you’re having a meal.  Do they get more of your kindness and consideration than members of your own family?  Wow, did I just step on some toes?   Are you different around others, yet you turn into Mister or Miss Crabby Pants around your family?   Realize that there are those right in your own house, under your same roof that could use encouragement.  They could use loving kindness, words of affirmation, thoughtful consideration … and respect even.  Plain and simple, the ones in your own home need your love.

If someone had to write an article on you, what would they say?  Would they say that you were an encouragement in their life?  Would they say that you show compassion?  Would they say that your family comes first?

I am encouraged by those that wish to do better, who wish to make a lasting change, and who share the best of themselves with people — but reserve a special part of their heart, their love, their thoughtfulness, and their soul for their spouse.  That should not go without being said.  No one gets that part of you but your spouse!

So think on it … How CAN you be an encouragement to someone today?  How can you make a difference so that someone will say, “I am encouraged by …[insert your name here].”