I’ve had several blog posts rolling around my head for the last couple weeks but haven’t had opportunities to work through them yet. For one reason or another, I’ve been pulled in a myriad of directions, and have faced several distractions and even some discouragement. When the pressure is on there is nothing like a little encouragement that can really bolster our confidence. A word or two timed well infuses energy and life back into what could be a mundane task. This reminds me of one of my favorite word pictures in the Bible found in Proverbs 25:11.
I learned it in the KJV and I still think how beautifully poetic those words are especially when we employ them in our lives. Think how often someone says just something little to us that adds a little spring in our step - someone commented on my shirt the other day and said it was “so cute” I walked away after I said thank you and smiled. It was amazing what a lift to my spirit it was.
Now I know that part of it is that words of affirmation speak love to me. I love the books on the Love Languages by Gary Chapman - if you have never read them - you are missing out! Mine is easy to figure - words of affirmation - you tell me that I do something well, or that I am working hard - I feel love. If you tell me I’m not very good, or I can’t do something, etc. I get very discouraged quickly.
Words…such a small thing- but so mighty in the way we wield them around us. The book of Ephesians reminds us of this truth as well in chapter 4 verse 29.
The book of James extends the conversation about the power of the tongue and it's power to either enforce good or breakdown others for evil. There are examples in our own lives that I am sure we can each think of that have meant so much to us at the time.
Sometimes we just need a boost to take the next step in the journey.
Who can we give that gift to today?
