Yesterday, I did something I haven’t done in years. I took 3 children, 6 and under, to the mall. Just me and the kiddos and my orthopedic boot. A woman actually came up to me and said “When they talk about women who can do it all, they’re talking about you.” Wow. I couldn’t tell if it was a compliment or if she was just trying to encourage me in my flustered-looking state! I chose to take it as both, and we soldiered on into the mall, headed toward the bungee-jumper contraption that brought us there in the first place.
(Mimmie is a very easy sell.)
We arrived at said contraption, and while Lilli had been as excited as Valé to jump, she took one look at the height of it and said “No way.” Valé talked to her and explained what would happen, but she was dead-set against it. So she stayed behind and we stood and watched as Valé jumped and soared and did flips in the air. Valé came down, and just as we were walking away, Lilli said “Um…Mimmie, I’d like to try it.”
A little shaky, but determined, they strapped her in the harness appropriate for her size and showed her what to do. And she did it. With a huge smile plastered on her face, she jumped and soared herself, as her sister stood right there, cheering her on.
I think we forget sometimes how influential the lives we lead can be. We can encourage with words, but when we live out those words, we show people what they can really do if they will just give it a try.
Yes, if we all live out our encouragement to others, the air would be thick with jumpers and soarers. I’m thankful for the ability to make it happen, and be encouraged by it, too.
Aren’t you?
“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11 ESV