Most of us jump at the chance to celebrate a loved one. Having a birthday party? I’ll be there with bells on. It’s your wedding day? I’m in the front row weeping my eyes out. It’s your graduation day? Oh girl, you will hear me screaming from the rafters. And, not to mention, (and I’m not bragging here, it’s just a fact) I can throw a mean, action-packed baby shower that will keep guests ooooing and awwwwing for days after the event.
So, the question is, how come we wait for these events to celebrate the lives of our loved ones? After all, these are our encouragers - the ones who support us, stand alongside us and walk with us as we travel through life. These are the people we trust with our darkest secrets and wildest dreams, and the craziest thing is they don’t even flinch when our strange little idiosyncrasies come out to play.They just get us.
God calls us to “encourage one another and build one another up.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11 ESV) Do you think He means we should only show up at the party or send a gift once a year on each other’s birthday? I doubt it. Hebrews 10:24 (ESV) says “let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works.” Do you think that means to throw one awesome baby shower, and then check back in at the child’s first birthday? Probably not. In fact, we should be a constant support to one another, checking in weekly if not daily and just plain loving one another as we learn and grow in our walk with the Father.
Today we encourage you to reach out to your loved ones just because. Check in on that new parent, set that lunch date you’ve been meaning to schedule, invite a group over for dinner or simply call a friend to let them know you care. You may even find that your friends need a little more encouragement on an average weekday than they do on their birthdays.
Not sure how to reach out? Here are a few ideas:
- Write a handwritten letter or a card just to say hello to a faraway friend.
- Invite a friend that you haven’t talked to in a while to coffee or lunch.
- Encourage a friend with news you are lifting them up in prayer.
- Spend time with a friend who needs encouragement, just listen to the struggles they are going through.
- Leave a sticky note with encouraging words for your spouse or children.
- Send a card or note to your spiritual leaders showing your appreciation for them.
- Host a celebration in honor of a loved one just because.
By Gini @ DaySpring
