Being a mother is a very difficult job! It calls for many hours of thankless labor, often during the middle of the night when no one sees or cares. There is the work of training and disciplining in addition to countless diapers to change and meals to make. Words of encouragement can make a world of difference for them.
I’ve been at this business of mothering for a long time so I’m beginning to reap the rewards of my years of labor, but there are many mothers who are in the beginning years. They are home with several preschool children and it often looks like an overwhelming task they are facing.
For many years I have mentored young mothers. Many of them have several young children, husbands who work hard, small apartments or homes, limited finances, and struggle to be the wives and mothers they want to be.
One of them was very discouraged and read me a list of areas in which she felt she was failing. It was a list most mothers could have written but I was surprised to hear her say these things since I felt she was doing so well. After listening to her I offered some words of encouragement and finally said, “I brag about you!” Her response was, “Really?”
I offered her encouragement by sharing that I’m always telling others
how well she is doing.
I’ve even said I wish I had done as well during my husband’s school years. This was just what she needed to hear. Why had I waited so long to tell her? Why did I tell others yet fail to tell her?
I was convicted that I often keep encouraging words to myself instead of sharing them with the people who need to hear them. I was reminded of Proverbs 25:11
” A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver. “
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I determined to watch for opportunities to share a word of encouragement when I can, especially with young mothers. These opportunities present themselves often. How about the young mother at the store? Could you hold the door for her so she can enter more easily, and while you’re doing that, how about a word of encouragement?
I wrote about some words of encouragement I received in my article I Hate Going To The Doctor.
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6 Comments
Lori Schumaker
A word of encouragement so often makes all the difference. And if we look into the eyes of another, we can always find something to share with them. When I was a classroom teacher, I made it my mission to love every child and find at least one remarkable thing about them. Those moments I could pull them aside and acknowledge those traits or work well done would bring such joy in the shiny little eyes!
Thanks so much for this reminder!
Blessings and smiles,
Lori
Phyllis Sather
Thanks for sharing this Lori.
Cheryl
Hello! I found you on Holley’s link-up! I enjoyed this post, as I have been on the other end so many times and longed for a word of encouragement. God help me to be observant and aware of those around me who need that encouragement so desperately. This is my first visit to your link-up, so I want to thank you for offering it! I did link up a post, but I am not seeing the button to add to my link-ups page. I apologize and will keep looking for it! God bless you…you have a lovely blog!
Phyllis Sather
Thanks for visiting and sharing your heart. We’re working on that button. I’ll get back to you soon.
Trena
Encouragement does change a day! I added an older post written last summer on encouragement to go along with your topic this week.
Phyllis Sather
Good idea. Thanks Trena.