It is that simple

As I am trying to figure out my way around the blogging world--I am sitting here wondering how I got here. As I was getting frustrated with trying to figure out how to add a customized header and a cute background--I was gently reminded that this blog has been placed on my heart for a little bit. 


I work in the business world and even though the company I work for is incredible; I am constantly surrounded by busyness and stress. By the graciousness of Jesus--He placed it on my heart one day to challenge the way I think and the way I interact with others. One day I started question: how I can this look different? How can I encourage those around me and not allow the culture of our nation to consume my words? I then thought what would it look like to live out 1 Thessalonians 5:11. Encourage one another and build each other up. 


Then I  had a simple thought. What if I truly blessed people with simple encouraging words solely about what they have taught me; how I see them impacting those around them or even as simple as a memory that I cherish/made me laugh? 


But, wait.....is it really that simple? Daily I see qualities in people that I look up to, but I don't say anything. It is awkward. How do you tell them you admire those qualities? or the way they do a simple task is something that makes you smile every time you see them do it?


As usual I put this thought on the back burner and didn't act on it. Fun idea, but some how simple "reasons" or excuses crept in: it will take a lot of time, what if they don't like what I say, or "I am encouraging to those around me. I tell them good job. That's encouraging enough."


Then I went to a women's conference and the speaker focused on discipleship. She specifically focused on encouraging those around you when you see fruit in their lives. It dawned on me--it is that simple. When you see something in those around you--just say it. Honor them and their gifts (or even their misfits that makes you love them more) because when you bless them you are praising God through His creation.


I want to be sharpened and am when I reflect on the people God is using in my life to sharpen me. This is why I want to be intentional. I want to take the time and I want to bless those who in this moment in time have blessed me. 


I hope and pray that my posts to follow will highlight the fruit of those around me. I most of all hope that this encourages those around me and glorifies the work that Christ is doing through them. 


I desire to look back on each post and years from now be blessed by how God used that person in my life and reflect on what they taught me. I hope that this would be a reminder to myself and other believers that God's plan/timing is perfect; including even the details of who he brings in and out of your seasons of life. 




Love,


Whitney