Why Bother to Encourage?

I’ve noticed that receiving courage from another to keep going in a certain direction comes in a variety of ways. But no matter how it comes, when received the results are the same; an emboldened heart and strong confidence to continue moving on down the track.   

When our sons were young, we introduced them to the pleasures we found in hiking. For the longest time though, they mostly resisted turning their eyes toward the beauty we pointed out to them as we huffed our way along mountain trails. Then on one particular trek, my husband and I found the resolve to keep taking our kids out on these hikes when an elderly couple spoke just a few words to us. 

We were at Lake Louise and started walking the trail called the Plain of Six Glaciers telling our sons that at the top we’d have a treat at the tea house. As we were going up the trail, a white haired smiling couple were coming down the trail. They stopped for a moment gazing and nodding their heads at our sons. Then looking at us they said, “We used to take our kids on forced marches too. Don’t worry, it’ll pay off.” And then off they went. My husband and I took their words as a confirmation to, “Just keep on trucking.” 

In light of their words, now our sons not only enjoy their own regular excursions out into the wilds, but our grandkids are learning under the tutelage of their parents, how to appreciate beauty while they huff their way along mountain trails. 

In addition to hiking, I’ve competed in a few athletic challenges; triathlons, open water swims and long distance running races. These events are always accompanied by non competitors who stand on the sidelines shouting out words that inspire participants, like me, to keep going. 

Coupled with their claps and whistles, there is a wave of energy that comes from a cheering crowd. Countless times my feet have been boosted to run faster or pedal harder when this invisible, yet real current of inciting sway comes my way helping me complete the race.

Then there are the few words spoken from the mouths of people from days gone by when I used to teach at a women’s community Bible study. Bumping into them in the grocery store, at a restaurant, or clothing store, they remind me of the time when I said something pertinent and poignant and how it raised the level of hope in their heart. I am relieved they don’t remind me of the times I stammered through many of the Bible lectures I gave. 

But my favorite kind of encouragement comes from written notes. Sometimes they come in the mail and I am uplifted reading the few lines penned by a sibling who wanted to validate and confirm who I am and how I’ve inspired them. 

Other times a co-worker will leave a note on my desk giving credence to a struggle I’ve recently shared with them letting me know they too have grappled with the same thing. Equally important are the funny notes from new yoga students whose disbelief changed to belief after just a few classes. 

Either way, holding something tangible in my hand and reading the words not just once, but putting the card away to be pulled out and read again, awakens optimism in me. I can keep going on down the track.   

Why bother to encourage? It’s worth infusing the life of another with words that inspire them with hope. After all, what goes around, comes around.