Grateful for Encouragement

Encouragement makes such a difference in how we are able to keep on keeping on amidst the dailyness of life.

Therefore today’s Friday’s Fave Five will express gratitude for the encouragement I receive.

I am grateful for the encouragement I get from . . .

1. Medical people – I have been discouraged because my physical therapist and doctor said that I would not get much range-of-motion after 3 months (from the time of the break in my shoulder). It is now 2 weeks past that 3 month date and my shoulder is still quite restricted. And I am unwilling to accept that diagnosis.

A friend of a friend is a physical therapist. Last week this physical therapist spoke with me and said. “Do not give up! I have seen improvements, huge improvements, up to 1 1/2 years after an injury or surgery.” And she said this wasn’t an isolated case.

Yesterday I went to a CMT (2nd time) and as he was working on me he said, “Oh, I can tell you haven’t felt good for a very long time. We can change that!” Now that’s what I want to hear. Encouragement. A little sympathy goes a long way too. 😉

2. Work – My boss is very supportive of what I do and isn’t shy about expressing encouragement and giving me ideas to follow-up on. Our office manager is a gem when it comes to helping out the staff. Twice in the past week she has designed something for me. It looks so good. I know that people will pay attention because of the professional quality of her work.

3. Friends – Isn’t it encouraging to have friends …. Who share their bounty of fresh fruits and veggies? Who can meet up with you for an unexpected coffee-run? Who at the end of a phone call say, “May I pray for you before we hang up?” Who are new bloggy friends and send you a postcard from their vacation?

4. Study partner – My 15-year-old niece and I have put in 7 hours (right, K?) studying together. She is studying for AP classes that start mid-August. I have been mainly writing/reading for consecration. (Although a few hours did go towards a work project.) Having this regular time with K has encouraged me to stay focused and to put in the time towards consecration. The snacks are helpful too.

5. The Word – Each week I study a different book of the Bible for our 66 Love Letters small group. This week’s book is I Kings. I am seeing again and again how much God loves me (you) and how patiently He helps me (you) live a right life. It encourages me to know that He won’t give up on me (you).

Want to share your gratitude about the encouragements from your week? Do so in the comments or link your post to Susanne’s weekly meme at her site Living to Tell the Story.