A few months ago, my wife and I celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary in Europe. One city we visited was Venice, where one evening we purchased tickets to hear Vivaldi’s Four Seasons performed by a famous violinist. On the night of the concert, the host announced the world-famous violinist would not be performing due to illness. The crowd groaned. Immediately the host announced the name of the substitute violinist, who also happens to be world-famous in his own right.
Suddenly, the air in the room went from deflated to excited. Voices stirred, hearts jumped with anticipation. When the violinist took the stage, he was greeted with a thunderous round of encouraging applause.
Sitting in the audience that night in Venice, I realized how vital encouragement is in our lives. We need others to encourage us, and we need to encourage others. Encouragement is such a powerful experience.
Consider your ministry now. Who are the people who are encouraging you? Surround yourself with these supporters and thank them for their prayers and pep. Then consider the people you can encourage. These might be certain teenagers in your circle of influence, or they might be coworkers, friends and family members. By being a positive influence for others, you also will reap encouraging rewards of your own.
Make a point to be encouraged and to encourage this week. It will be life-changing.
