When the Encourager Needs to be Encouraged

This is going to be a short post.
I just want you to think about something for a moment.
Normally, I take joy in encouraging others.  I like to make people feel better about themselves.  Add to that the fact I don’t like to see anyone hurt.  That combination usually has me finding ways and observing others for ways to offer compliments and encouragement.  But every once in a while, I need to have some of that offered to me.   A couple of years ago, my husband and I did some quizzes to find out what our “love language” was.  You know, what makes you feel loved.  For me it was Words of Affirmation.  I am good at giving those to others.  I’m not bragging, I just really have a natural gift of affirmation.  So I know what it looks like, because I need it too.  Unfortunately, many people don’t know how to give this very well.  They seem to think it’s just compliments.  While those are nice, it goes a bit deeper than that.  Study the person you want to encourage.  What traits do they have that are admirable?  Comment on those and how valuable that trait is when they use it to help others.  Do you see them working hard on something?  Maybe it’s making dinner, maybe it’s painting a room in the house, maybe it’s a project at work, make sure you comment on it and tell them you appreciate them for it.  Maybe it’s even just going to the same job day after day when they don’t want to, to provide for you and your family.  I make sure I let my husband know frequently how much I appreciate the things he does like that for us.  I tell him what a good dad he is, what a good husband he is, what a good son he is.  That is how you use words of affirmation.  Also, don’t make it just about their accomplishments.  Comment on the traits they have that you appreciate.  Do they have a wonderful laugh that brightens your day, just to hear it?  Maybe they’re a great listener, or give comforting hugs.

So now you need to take a look at those people in your life who are encouragers and use some of the suggestions I’ve given you or come up with your own, and give them some encouragement.  Because just as a water pitcher eventually runs empty without being refilled, so do encouragers.  At least this encourager does.  I’ve been running on empty this week and have stopped reaching out to others.  I have nothing left to give right now.  How it would make my day or even week if just one person in my life was to reach out right now and give me some of that encouragement that I’m always doling out to others.  I’m guessing your encouragers could use some encouragement also.