So this has been something that has been on my mind the last few weeks. Many times a thought, a compliment, or an idea will pop into my mind, and more often than not I brush it away. Over the last month or so, however I have been trying to slow down and really acknowledge those thoughts.... The name of the person I haven't talked to in years, or a comment someone made that if I think deeper about could tell me so much about the state of their heart.
Each one of us has experienced the life we have because of both a series of our own choices and by God's design. We are who we are for a reason and we may not ever know that reason, but it is our job to be who we are and share our hearts with others in hopes that we can connect with them and reach into those deep places where they may not even know there is hurt or pain.
The reason this is heavy on my heart begins about a month ago when I had someone's name so heavy on my heart that I couldn't get it out of my mind. We are just acquaintances really, however in order to clear the heaviness I messaged her through Facebook (since I don't have her number) and come to find out she had been praying for someone who could just pray for her. To feel that urge and to have confirmation that it was God's voice made my heart leap and my mind a little more sensitive to those urges.
Fast forward a few weeks and I was hosting an AdvoCare mixer. During my mixers I always share my story, where I was when I found the opportunity with AdvoCare. Sometimes it can be tough to be so transparent and admit some of the feelings of failure as a mom I was having during that time. However I feel that in order to touch other's lives and really help them to change and reach their goals I must be transparent in my pain. After that mixer I was talking to someone who said "I really thought you had gotten info about me before because I felt like that part of your story was aimed straight at me" To continue to talk to her and know that she is making strides and gaining confidence and encouragement in being a mom who now has the energy and excitement be engaged with her babies has once again made my heart leap.
And then there was today. A dear friend came over for a visit. She brought coffee and just sat and chatted. As we chatted, my dreams and goals with AdvoCare came up. And to be honest, today I was in a place where I felt a little defeated. As she spoke words of encouragement to me, they not only went in my mind but reached deep into places of my heart I didn't know where feeling doubt. It just continues to amaze me how far a small gesture (like bringing coffee) or a nice word (one of encouragement) can change the course of a person's day, and in my case maybe even the course of my journey to achieve my dreams, because my heart has been lifted up by (what I'm sure this friend thought) were "just a few kind words"
So as you continue on your journey I urge you to slow down, pay a little more attention, and don't brush off the fleeting thoughts of those around you. You never know what a small word of encouragement or love will do to the course of someone's hour, day, month, year, or life. And don't be afraid to lift others up, encourage them, and love on them. I promise the more you pay attention to these things, the more you will experience them in your own life.
