Thursday

Today compliment or encourage someone or many someones. Maybe even someone you don’t know.

Every person has burdens we don’t know about—even our family members. We can all use a sincere compliment or encouragement. Store clerks can often use a kind word. Watch for the smile. This is not about us making ourselves feel good, but being a blessing in the day of another.

If you’re new to encouraging or talking to strangers, here are a few ideas. . .

• I love your nail color (or any part of their appearance).
• Thank you for your help/doing your job with excellence/your graciousness, etc.
• How is your day going? (Look them in the eye and say it like you care.)
• Send a note that says “I appreciate you”, “I love you, “I am so glad you are in my life”, etc.
• Give a gift of a little help or service. One of my daughter teaches 4^th grade. One day she told her class how much she loves Sloppy Joes. A few days later a mom of one of her students gave her a batch of Sloppy Joes. What a blessing for a young teacher and her husband to have dinner for several nights. This doesn’t need to be extravagant.

You get the idea. Look up from your busy day and give someone a verbal hug or even a physical hug. It will change their day and yours.

One more day of small changes. . .

PS—The day after I wrote this blog I was on my usual run. A man bicycling (a real cyclist—Spandex, helmet, and all) passed me twice on his route. On his second pass he said two words that I will always remember. His voice was deep and purposeful. He spoke in a tone that said he knew what he was talking about. He said, “Keep going.” I needed to hear that. I need to hear that everyday. Maybe you need to hear that today or you know someone who does.

 

Brenda Garrison is an author and speaker who empowers women with the confidence to live their calling. Brenda is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science Degree in Ministry Leadership with a Concentration in Women’s Ministry at Moody Bible Institute. She and her husband, Gene, are the parents of three young adult daughters and live near Metamora, IL.