Friday, December 2, 2011

Not Just To Cross It Off

So, a lot of you have asked me why I'm so candid about my monthly goals and ambitions. Some of you have commented that you think I push myself too hard. Others have written me sweet notes of thanks for encouragement.

I do it for all these reasons, friends.

Isaiah 35:3 says, "Encourage the exhausted, and strengthen the feeble." 1 Thesselonians 5:14 says, "We urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone."

How could I not try to live that out on my personal blog? It's a struggle to do daily, but that's one of the reasons I'm trying to get back to the basics with my goals this month.

For example, one of my goals is to encourage someone every single day. Today, while it may not be a big deal to everyone else, I had to go to Costco on my way home from work. I was tired, hungry, and had a long list in my mind of what needed to get done at home. I only needed one thing. (Not that you should put off your household, but you'll understand soon why I made an exception!) Instead of just racing through and getting what I needed, I called my mom and my auntie to ask if either of them needed anything from Costco, knowing that saving them the trip would make them so happy.

They both did.

In the course of getting to the aisles where I needed to get their items, I ran into Tim & Shelley. We chatted and had a great time visiting for a few minutes.

If I'd just had a narrow-minded perspective on that trip (which, wasn't really out of my way or too much more time-consuming than normal), I wouldn't have had the ability to encourage my auntie and her foster babies and my mom - all of whom were beyond grateful that they didn't have to go out to Costco! - and I would not have seen Tim & Shelley, as my item was not on the side of the store where they were.

I may have needed only one thing, but I turned that trip into a time-saving, encouraging blessing for my family.

MERRY CHRISTMAS! I hope you find a way to encourage someone today!!

No comments: