Encourage. Because you can.

Just a minute here....I need a smile!

The Webster’s dictionary definition of the word ‘Encourage’ is this: “to promote, advance, or foster. To inspire with courage, spirit, or confidence.”

That’s quite a definition wouldn’t you say?! I really like this definition so I’m going to promote(you), inspire(you), and help(you) to advance with confidence. With words and thoughts I choose to “encourage you”.

Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash

Your life is currently in a ‘chapter’. You’re not finished with your book yet. Just like reading a good book, each chapter(of your life) must be lived through. Just like a book, each chapter must be read through. In your life (your life’s book), the bad will pass. The sickness will pass. The pain will pass. The grey skies will pass. Fill in the blank with whatever you’re facing, the _____________ will pass also.

Photo by Ava Sol on Unsplash

Here’s a short funny and a smile for you: My young child wanted to play an online adventure game. Because we live where WiFi isn’t available, we have to be careful how we use our metered internet service plan each month. She asked me, “Mommy, do we have enough ‘man-width’ for me to play the adventure game tonight?’ I stared blankly at her for a minute letting what she said sink in. Hmm…

Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash

MAN-width? Well that’s a new one! Chuckling at my sweet girl, I explained “Yes honey. We have enough ‘band-width’ for you to play your game tonight.” She left smiling and happy, off to play her game. I smiled too but for an entirely different reason. My child had reminded me in her innocence that we don’t always fully understand what we hear, or even understand what we think we know.

So the next time you get upset over something, take a breath and a step back, and rethink what you think you know. Then remember the story about my child who mispronounced what she’d heard, innocently making a joke out of it. And try to SMILE and encourage someone(including yourself) when things seem out of whack.

After all, there just might be enough ‘MAN-width’ to see the adventure played out! LOL!