Hello God. It's me, Mara

You know, Lord, we all need encouragers on a so-so day, or when we’re discouraged. That occasionally happens to all of us, no matter who we are. 

A friend called her encouragers, “balcony people,” like a cloud of witnesses cheering us on, but balcony people are here on earth with us. Sometimes we need them; sometimes they need us to encourage or to cheer them on.

“G.G” told about a community supper she attended. She eyed the dessert table; sure enough — pumpkin pie! She took a piece before it all vanished. Yum! She thought, “This is almost as good as my mom made, years ago. I wonder who made it.”

The lady sitting next to her mentioned that she had made pumpkin pie. G.G. raved about it, to the surprise of the lady whom we’ll call “Mary.” G.G. said, “This is the best pumpkin pie I’ve had in years!” Mary was so pleased; she said that compliment made her day.

Town or country folks are inclined to help each other. One neighborhood (in the next town) has several widow ladies. One older gal mentioned how blessed she was to have a chap from across town come help her with yard work, preparing for winter. She told the young man what a blessing he was to her. He simply smiled and said, “That’s how my parents raised us kids. We help wherewe see a need.”

  We could add much more. If we’re on the giving end with compliments, cheering others on, or whatever, we are blessed. We know You, Lord, are so good to us, everyday is a blessing, we are full of joy. 

Hebrews 12:1 (NIV): “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders. … And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us… .”

Love Mara