Encouragement---Could you use a little of this today?

"Blessed be the God and Christ, the father of compassion and God of all encouragement, who encourages us in every affliction, so that we may be able to encourage those who are in any affliction with the encouragement with which we ourselves are encouraged by God."    2 Corinthians 1:3-4

I know most days I sure can use some encouragement.  I read God's Word and find it there.  I then feel inspired to offer it back out into my little world.  Let's face it, we ALL could use a little no matter what season of life in which we find ourselves.  Some days and moments are harder than others depending on what we are currently walking through, so a little bit of kindness and encouragement really go a LONG way.  

This past week was a particularly difficult for me in a number of different ways.  Mostly, I was physically side-lined due to my chronic M symptoms, and I grew weary and exhausted from the daily-ness of it all. I had "plans" and life to attend to, darn it!  But, none of it was happening in "my way" at all.  Not.One.Bit.  

However, I sure received some absolutely refreshing gifts of encouragement from family, friends, and places that were God's continual show of His love and mercy and grace for me.  They were all a salve unto my tired and painful body and soul.  I received uplifting text messages and songs from dear hearts who accompany me on this journey as well as smiles, gentle hugs, meals made, errands run, and sons who retrieve my ginger-ale and ice packs!  Many of my prayer warriors were attentive in offering their blessings and prayers.  

I must give a particular shout out to my new headache specialist, Dr. Grosberg.  As I stated before in a past post, he is simply an amazing doctor but more importantly, his kind-heart speaks volumes of his character.  He told me that he "has my back" and not to worry as he will help my through this journey.  He even went as far to say, "thank you for letting me take care of you."  W.H.A.T.??  Did I hear him correctly?  Oh yes I did.  After I thanked him profusely for his care, he said those kind words to me at least three times at the visit.   Let me tell you, I was reduced to tears right then and there.  My hubby was quite full of emotion as well---shhhh, don't tell anyone. :)

There is always, always, always something to be thankful for even in the midst of our hardest times.  

As I receive kindness, love, and encouragement, it is my honor to offer the same to others in need.  My prayer is that God will always place before me who might need it in a special way each day.  It doesn't take long to receive a clear answer from the Holy Spirit.  That is what gives me purpose to my day.  

I invite you, my friends, to think of at least one offering of encouragement you can send out into this hurting world of ours.  Each day is a new opportunity to shine our light of hope.  

May you all have a most blessed day!!  

    Beautiful flowers from my neighbor's garden 

    Pretty encouragement!