I was struck by something this past week at lifegroup.
We answered a question: “How can we support one another?”
And while, yes, there were practical needs, still the clear overwhelming responses were for ENCOURAGEMENT.
Isn’t that interesting? We all have a deep desire to be encouraged, supported, loved.
The definition of encouragement is the act of giving someone support, confidence or hope. Another definition says, persuasion to do or to continue to do something.
It’s funny, I thought I was just going to find a picture of my Grandma Pat when I looked this word up. Seriously. Everyone needs a Gma Pat in their life. She is constantly encouraging others around her to help them keep moving forward, keep doing the good work. She always encourages us to love each other, to forgive quickly. She listens to our problems and offers support–reminding us how loved we are.
My favorite thing Gma Pat does is that she tells me what an amazing mom I am. She is constantly telling me how sweet my kids are and how much she loves seeing us. She tells me “Hilary, you work so hard… I don’t know how you do it! You are a super mom.” Which always makes me smile and chuckle because my Grandma also had 3 kids, and they were closer together in age, and she had 3 pies made and delivered to the restaurant by noon everyday while those kids were young. So, yeah… She does know how to do it all, too. SHE slayed the mom game, and she is slaying the grandma game!
But she would never tell you that. She just keeps on lifting her family and loved ones up and celebrating our wins. She makes sure everyone of her people know how loved they are.
I am a blessed granddaughter and recipient of such extraordinary encouragement and love. I am grateful for the example she sets, and I will continue that legacy on–because it’s so evident to me that it is what the world so desperately needs.
I want to make it less about me, more about others.
Let’s make it a Grandma Pat kind of day.