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Encourage

             Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. (I Thessalonians 5:11)

 

          Encourage - put heart in. Wake up their will to keep going even when they’re afraid, tired, disappointed, burned out, or otherwise negatively motivated. But the “You can do it!” sort of encouragement, even if sent as a card, can seem like a throw-away bit of encouragement. It can cost us nothing, take no time away from more important things. And have little more meaning or effectiveness - or be just what the person needed.

          What encourages you? Think about this, and maybe even share it with those who are closest to you. Thinking back over the past few years, things have encouraged me or that I think might encourage others.

Receiving instructions - someone helping me learn.

My boss asked me a question to help a customer - me helping someone learn

A coworker said that “She knows her plants.” (I wish I knew half of what he does!)

Receiving supplies that allow me to do something.

Being told I’m doing a good job or that I’ve improved in a specific way.

A hug - especially a long, “real” hug.

A shoulder to cry on.

Being told you’ve inspired or challenged someone (in a good way.)

A gift that celebrates an accomplishment.

Being awarded in some way.

A card with a personal message added.

Time spent with the person - perhaps even helping the person with the task/project.

Being asked to do something because of quality work or experience.

Questions about how a project is going.

Referral to the person to others in a good way.  “If you’re looking for _____, ______ is the person to see.)

Prayer for the person’s well-being and success, thanks to God for the person…

          I tried to come up with ideas that cross the love languages, but I’m pretty sure most of them are from my own experiences. It doesn’t have to take a lot of time, money, or energy. But the two things that seem to be necessary are recognition and honesty. Feel free to add ideas in the comments.

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