Skimming my
e-mail before work one morning, I saw a message from a church member with these
two words:
“Excellent Blog!”
In the hurry
that I was in, I quickly responded, “Thanks, that’s encouraging! I didn’t think anyone even read it!” …then
off to work I went. I was so excited that someone had enjoyed my blog. All day long, I was planning in my head what
the next subject matter would be. I
hadn’t been blogging in recent months. I
can’t say I was discouraged, but it took a lower place on the “priority list” –
after all, who reads it??? But I was
psyched up and ready to roll once again after those two encouraging words!
Later on
that evening when I had more time to read my e-mail, I realized those two words
were not actually about my blog! – It
was one of those spam advertisements that uses one of your contacts! It referred to another website blog about
some kind of vitamin. After a dose of
humiliation…and a great deal of belly laughter, I realized something. Just two words, two encouraging words
stirred my heart to do greater things.
Those two words caused enthusiasm to return and a new zeal to do the
work of ministry.
I am reminded
of how important it is to say a kind word of appreciation when someone deserves
it. So many people do “behind the
scenes” work and just a “thank you” would make their spirits soar. The Bible tells us to “encourage one another
daily.” It doesn’t take much or even a
lot of effort. Just two words could lift
someone’s spirit and give them new zeal for the Lord. I will make the effort, how about you?
“Excellent lesson learned!”
