This morning I turned on the car radio to hear the emcee congratulate a woman for finishing a marathon in the top twenty-five runners. She said, "I just needed someone to believe in me." Giving background the announcer explained that she had wanted to run the race, but didn't think she even would be able to finish. A friend had signed her up. Then, she was committed. Today, she was exhilarated.
Listening to the story reminded me of a similar time in my life. I wanted to attend a writers' conference a little over an hour from my house in a place foreign to me. Each time I picked up the form to fill it out I recalled my terrible sense of direction. Then, I had visions of myself driving frantically down street after street, never finding my destination, or worse yet, leaving the site meandering on dark roads late at night unable to get back to the expressway. I know. When that happens one either asks someone or checks his or her navigation screen. I didn't have a GPS and had learned from past experience one can't always depend on others to give correct directions. I was once told, "Well, you just can't get there from here."
However, coming to my rescue, a friend went with me. Then, lo and behold, at the end of the first session she learned her husband was in the area. "You came straight here, and I'm sure you'll have no trouble getting back home," she said. Then, she left. She wasn't abandoning me, but telling me that she knew I was capable of getting back, even if I didn't. Obviously, she was right or I wouldn't be sitting here writing this.
I believe we all have areas in which we need assistance. Also, I'm sure I've missed opportunities to give a friend or someone in my family the help and encouragement he or she needs. Sometimes it only takes a small act of kindness or a few words to boost another person's confidence. I've resolved to keep my eyes and ears open to possibilities I have to nudge someone who may be struggling with self doubt or insecurity overshadowing his or her desire to achieve a big or small goal or excel in a God given talent. Romans 15: 5 says: "May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ."
Listening to the story reminded me of a similar time in my life. I wanted to attend a writers' conference a little over an hour from my house in a place foreign to me. Each time I picked up the form to fill it out I recalled my terrible sense of direction. Then, I had visions of myself driving frantically down street after street, never finding my destination, or worse yet, leaving the site meandering on dark roads late at night unable to get back to the expressway. I know. When that happens one either asks someone or checks his or her navigation screen. I didn't have a GPS and had learned from past experience one can't always depend on others to give correct directions. I was once told, "Well, you just can't get there from here."
However, coming to my rescue, a friend went with me. Then, lo and behold, at the end of the first session she learned her husband was in the area. "You came straight here, and I'm sure you'll have no trouble getting back home," she said. Then, she left. She wasn't abandoning me, but telling me that she knew I was capable of getting back, even if I didn't. Obviously, she was right or I wouldn't be sitting here writing this.
I believe we all have areas in which we need assistance. Also, I'm sure I've missed opportunities to give a friend or someone in my family the help and encouragement he or she needs. Sometimes it only takes a small act of kindness or a few words to boost another person's confidence. I've resolved to keep my eyes and ears open to possibilities I have to nudge someone who may be struggling with self doubt or insecurity overshadowing his or her desire to achieve a big or small goal or excel in a God given talent. Romans 15: 5 says: "May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ."
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