I haven’t been able to “get out of my lunchbox” lately and am looking forward to the next unexpected pick-me-up. In the meantime, what does one do? It’s too early for the winter blues. Afterall, the holidays are approaching. Surely I can look forward to this special time of the year. I so appreciate the people who cross my path with the gift of encouragement. We all need these people in our lives. But what about those dry spells when you’re all alone for days or weeks at a time without words of encouragement? I have found that sometimes I have to encourage myself. Don’t dwell on the failures, remember the good things I have done. If I do remember those times that were not so good, I remind myself that today’s a new day. Today I will make a conscious effort to do something that lifts me up. Perhaps that’s listening to a certain type of music. So maybe I’ll go to a concert or buy a new CD. Perhaps I just need to sit and laugh. How about watching a comedy – even if it’s by myself? Or maybe I’ll people-watch or dog-watch as I walk through the park. The list can go on. I also receive encouragement by looking at where I have been and where I am now or where I hope to be soon. But then sometimes I just take a nap or get a good-night’s sleep, and surprisingly it’s better the next morning. The sun did rise! And what might be the explanation for this?
“But you are a shield around me, O Lord; You bestow glory on me and lift up my head.” Psalm 3:3
“The sun did rise!” – such a good reminder to all of us who need a little encouragement here and there – because that IS all of us.