Encouragement 101

So I was out early this morning and half a half an hour to kill between appointments, so I went to McDonalds for a coffee. I purchased my hot cup of life and went to the "lounge" to watch the big screen and read captions. While I'm there I notice a fellow about early thirties cleaning windows and metal door frames, etc. Now hang on; What captured my attention was the alacrity with which he did his job. He cleaned the windows with more fervor than I clean my Harley. I was mesmerized as I watched him move to the doors and proceed to whip out a Brillo pad and even scrub around the hinges and door closure. Never have I seen such attention to detail and work ethic.

As I was leaving I thought, "I should really encourage that guy and comment on his work ethic". As I was about to leave that little voice (not the godly one) said, "Nah, he'll think you're a weirdo, or hitting on him or something - I mean who does that?". But, the good voice won out and decided, why not - so I went over and really laid it on about his being an inspiration and how awesome I noticed he did his work. He was SO appreciative! He thanked me and I could see his spirit begin to glow - I had really made his day.

How easy it is, if we will just be attentive, to lift the spirits of those around us. In a world of terrorist headlines, child abuse, corrupt business practices, etc., its refreshing to see that there are still hard working, down-to-earth people out there doing the absolute best they can at whatever their hands find to do. Let's encourage them with a kind word and smile and let them know we saw the and appreciate their efforts. A great practice for a new year.

The cave of self-pity

There's an old saying, "Watch out when you think you're riding high on the hog, next thing you know you'll be laying in the pig pen". I'm always mindful that success doesn't breed success. Most of us can attest that we have had incredible mountain top moments in life only to find ourselves in the valley soon afterward. It is only as we stay connected to the Lord and His divine plan that we can expect to see His hand in operation in our lives. There is no one who is not susceptible to feelings of abandonment; feelings of purposelessness.

Elijah was arguably one of the greatest of biblical prophets. He is remembered this day for calling fire down on the sacrifice at Mt. Carmel. He put to death all the prophets of Baal, prayed for and received rain, out ran a chariot (busy day). Then he hears a rumor of Queen jezebel's anger and determination to kill him. What does he do? Does he call Israel to the big showdown? Does he head to the palace to show here what's what? No. He runs and hides in a cave and must hear the Lord ask, "What are you doing here?"

It's a funny question you must admit. God knew what Elijah was doing there - He knows every man's heart. He wanted Elijah to consider it. He put to death 450 men, but feared the wrath of one woman.

Before we throw Elijah under the bus, let's look at ourselves. How much whining do we do? How much cave time have we had lately? How often do we go from overcomer to overcome? Do not lose heart. Keep His desire and passion before you. Keep calling down fire, praying for change and out running chariots. As we do these things we will keep ourselves from the cave of self-pity.