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I shared something on social media, and decided to expand it slightly for the blog. I  already had a blog post today, but feel I want to go ahead and post this rather than wait until tomorrow. Maybe someone really needs an encouraging word TODAY. Don’t delay…

A friend of mine recently expressed deep discouragement…For years she has consistently done something thoughtful for others, and has never or rarely been acknowledged or thanked for it. My friend is definitely not being demanding here. She was not “doing” just to get attention or gratitude. I know her. But she no longer sees the point in doing these things, and has stopped. My point here…

Are you taking someone for granted?

Do you express thanks for little things done for you?

Has someone always “remembered” you?

Has someone’s…passion, example, work, service, hobby, teaching, writing, leadership…encouraged or helped you?

You should let them know. This person may really need your encouragement today!

I thought of Jesus and the 10 lepers, and how only 1 leper returned to thank Him: Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?” – Read here.

Let’s reverse that statistic! Wouldn’t it have been great if only 1 of the 10 had failed to return to thank Jesus? Better yet that all 10 came back to thank Jesus!

Expressing thanks or appreciation to someone could be…direct -or- indirect.

Direct? Write them a note or verbally tell them how much you appreciate whatever it is they have done or do for you. It is never too late to do this. Even if a certain something is far in the past, let them know you have never forgotten their kindness.

Indirect? Instead of telling them, tell someone else! – What? What do I mean? Well, for example…

** Has an employee of an establishment always given you top notch service? Contact the boss or supervisor and let them know! Perhaps you think that everyone must know that they do a good job. Don’t count on it. I’ve observed exemplary employees, who quietly and without fanfare do a great job, but are overlooked.

** The above applies to a church or volunteer type setting to. Have you observed someone skillfully serving in a certain way? Tell the pastor! Let the coordinator of the ministry know of it. Put in a good word for them. “Pastor, whenever Bob is on rotation to teach the middle-school Bible class, my son is extra motivated to go. Bob really engages the students and skillfully teaches the Bible.”

** Do you appreciate the skill of a friend? Sing their praises to another! Spread the word…  “Julie does ______ so well. You should check it out!”
“Sarah is a gifted teacher. You should sign up for her class on ______.”
“Jack’s passion for  _______ has greatly motivated me in my walk with the Lord.”

And in our age of social media, this might include sharing a link with others. Share someone’s website or blog or article.

Thank someone today. Encourage someone today.

“One of the highest of human duties is the duty of encouragement. It is easy to laugh at men’s ideals; it is easy to pour cold water on their enthusiasm; it is easy to discourage others. The world is full of discouragers. We have a Christian duty to encourage one another. Many a time a word of praise or thanks or appreciation or cheer has kept a man on his feet. Blessed is the man who speaks such a word.”
– William Barclay