I had gotten my husband hockey tickets for Christmas. I had been wanting to take him to a game for some time. Though our team did not play their best, we still had a good time. It was a fun date night and something we had never experienced together before. When the game was over and it was time to go, we had a little walk ahead of us, due to limited parking. Though my husband had offered to pick me up from the arena as he went to get the car; I declined. I did not like the idea of him taking that walk alone. Though I did not realize just how cold the air had gotten and how much stronger the wind had become. I started to get colder than I imagined I would. I told my husband I did not know if I could finish the walk, although there was no where to go at that point than forward. I was shivering quite a bit. Our winter day was beautiful, though it had gotten much too cold as the night grew dim to be out in it. It was a night better respected from inside. My husband kept encouraging me though as he held me close repeating, “We’re almost there.” His words keeping me going forward to our destination, where I could become safe and warm again.

Friend, I share this not for sympathy. I am warm now, snuggled in my blankets. I share this to emphasize the importance of encouraging one another. If he wasn’t there holding me close, cheering me on, it would have been much harder to make it to the car. It was a great reminder also of how there have been many times in my life where God has encouraged me in one way or another to move forward, even when things were hard.  God’s words motivating me not to give up, as He stood close to me.

Friend, like the way my husband sweetly kept me safe as he encouraged me to press forward. Like the way God so often encourages us and helps us move forward. May we offer the same encouragement and love as we lift each other up. For every one sometimes needs encouragement in one way or another. I have found that often God uses us, to be encouragers for each other. A heart that motivates and uplifts another; is a heart full of love and compassion and we all need more of that in this world.

Erin Fitts-Brower

1 Thessalonians 5:11 NIV

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.