I must say you all have been so encouraging to me in writing this series. I thank you for that.
I hope that I haven't communicated a sense that we've got it all together. We don't. We are still learning and growing, and being exercised by the things the Lord brings our way.
But we want to grow and we want the Lord to use us, so we try to be open everyday to what He may bring our way. We have found that the very things that have been struggles and painful for us, God has used having us be able to encourage others going through the same or similar things.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
I want you to know that no matter what your circumstance, you are not alone. As Solomon wisely said in Ecclesiastes "There is nothing new under the sun." There is someone who can understand and empathize with you.
We have all gone through discouraging things in our lives - received outcomes that we wouldn't have chosen for ourselves, or our children, have rebellious kids, illness...the list could go on and on.
Sometimes we just need encouragement in the midst of many little ones and not enough sleep, or in the years of raising teenagers. The years of caring for aging parents brings its own need of encouragement.
During these times, we often feel all alone and isolated. I would encourage you to reach out and find someone to talk to. You'd be surprised to find that their are people around you who have empathy for your situation.
Also it is good to reach outside of ourselves to help others and in the middle of that we find ourselves encouraged.
What are your thoughts about this? Have you had the opportunity to encourage someone because of something you've gone through? Or have you been the one in need of encouragement, and someone used what they had gone through? I find a great sisterhood here in blogland of woman who have gained wisdom through their lives and use it to encourage others. Isn't it great?
6 comments:
You are right, family and good friends we can talk to are a blessing as we share joys and sorrows. I have 2 friends who are sisters in Christ, and their support is especially dear since we know about Jesus and remind each other of his love.
I am absolutely loving this series and have printed several about raising teens. One thing I have admired your family about is how both boys and girls seem to have both 'feminine' and 'masculine' skills.
If I may, what are the essential skills you consider for boys and girls. I was trained in cooking and laundry, cannot change a light bulb properly even today. My husband moved to a different country for higher studies without knowing how to cook and do laundry. It has been a steep and difficult learning curve for us, one I hope my children can avoid.
It is great! I do firmly believe that we go through some things so that we can help others!
It is great. I have been encouraged many times...again and again.
I couldn't agree with you more! There is so much comfort and encouragement to be found via the words and experiences of others.
I, too, have found like-minded "kindred spirits" in the world of blogging...and, yes, it is so encouraging! I agree with you about the need for encouragement as we walk through the different seasons of life. It is invaluable.
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