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Encouragement

© Cheryl Lewis

You can do bigger things like taking a meal to someone. If you have an older adult who lives alone chances are pretty good that they would really enjoy a plate of good food. On Thanksgiving I sent over a big plate of food to my neighbor and he still talks about how it "made his Thanksgiving day". You can volunteer to drive someone somewhere or just fill a need they have in their life by doing something for them.

As I thought about all the encouragement I felt while I was ill, I knew that I wanted to pass that forward. I really like to encourage at least one person a day. I honestly believe that it's a gift that God has given me. I don't always succeed, but this year I want to give it my best shot.

I've loaded up on small and super inexpensive cards. Birthday, get well, thinking of you, blessings to you, etc. Small encouragers that offer big boosts. I'm getting my address book up to date and my new prayer journal is ready. After all, prayer is the absolute greatest gift you can possibly give to another person.

The point is that in facing this year, while looking back at recent events of the world and those right in the home, be generous. Generous in spirit. Positivity breeds positivity. Goodness breeds goodness. Love breeds love. Generosity doesn't just mean giving money, which is especially difficult when you don't have any. Generosity is a personality trait because it's also a spiritual gift. A gift that God wants each of us to share.

If you don't feel like you could possibly a generous person spiritually who can encourage others, pray that God would help you. He will if you are sincere. You will find small ways, small needs, smiles you didn't know you had, and eventually you'll feel the return of the generosity of your spirit.