Today's Challenge: Encourage!

Encouraging words are like a honeycomb,
sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.

Proverbs 16:24 

Let's be honest, we all like to be encouraged.  There's something about hearing the words of uplifting affirmation that makes our day a little brighter and makes our storms a little less stressful.  So why is it so difficult for us to encourage each other?  My experience has been, more often than not, we seek to criticize rather than encourage.  When one hears naught but criticism, resentment and anger will be the result.

But think about this, encouragement comes in many forms other than words.  How about when someone smiles and says, "Thank You"?  How about when you are struggling and someone comes alongside and sits with you through the storm, instead of abandoning you? How about when someone you wouldn't expect comes up to you, shakes your hand and tells you that you are appreciated?

I walked into my office this morning and found that someone had left a basket of apples and a note of appreciation for the Deputies in the squad room. I was encouraged because someone else cared about the same people that I do and aren't afraid to show it.

A little encouragement goes a LONG way!  Every morning when we wake up, God is giving us another opportunity to encourage each other!