Fill Us Up -- Encourage One Another
1 Thessalonians 5:13-15 - Overwhelm
them with appreciation and love! Get along among yourselves, each of you doing
your part. Our counsel is that you warn the freeloaders to get a move on. Gently
encourage the stragglers, and reach out for the exhausted, pulling them to their
feet. Be patient with each person, attentive to individual needs. And be careful
that when you get on each other's nerves you don't snap at each other. Look for
the best in each other, and always do your best to bring it out. (MSG)
Proverbs 25:11 - The right word at the right time is like precious gold set in
silver. (CEV)
The other day, my daughter missed the bus again! Our family is attempting to
save money, so we have been using only one car. Unfortunately, my husband had
the car at work. Luckily, he had brought our tandem bike up from the other
garage, and it was not raining or snowing. The light bulb went on. Taking the
bike had to be faster than walking with a feisty kindergartener.
As I wheeled the bike out of the garage, I noticed one tire was semi-flat. A gas
station would be on our way to school, so I figured we could stop for air on the
way. I loaded her up, and we started off. Pedalling was really difficult, so I
switched gears, which was not much help. I was really struggling to get that
bike moving. I finally pulled up to the gas station after quoting, "I can do all
things through Christ who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13 NKJV) numerous times
on the way. It turned out that both tires were quite flat. No wonder it had been
a major struggle!
Once the tires were filled up with air, we quickly finished our journey to
school. As I rode home alone on a tandem bike, I had a few thoughts. One was how
much easier the ride got once I filled the tires with air. This made me think
about how much easier life is when I am encouraged by others or by something I
have read. How many times have I missed the opportunity to fill up someone
else's tires? A few words, a listening ear, or even a smile could be enough to
make their life's ride a little easier.
The back seat of the tandem was empty on my way home. I'm sure I made quite the
scene for anyone driving past. I could let many things fill that back seat --
negativity, worries, anxiety -- or I could choose to let God always be my
co-rider. He can fill me up with good thoughts, self-control, and encouragement.
Who will be your co-rider today?
Prayer: Father God, You have brought many others into our lives to encourage us,
to fill our road-weary tires with air when we needed it most. Help us to be
there for others in the same way. May we always point others in Your direction
to fill the empty seat that does not need to stay empty when we are filled with
You. Amen.
Karen Lynema kjjal@altelco.net
Allendale, Michigan, USA
Thanks to http://daily.presbycan.ca