Hello, God. It's me, Mara.

You know Lord, looking back to a time in our life, to someone who encouraged and helped us along our way, Lord, You may be calling us to do the same for someone in our life who might need a bit of help, cheer or even some praise right now.

"K.A.," a former neighbor, shared how her special three sisters encouraged each other, no matter that they didn't live near each other. It's been a long while ago, but thinking about them, one of them became a teacher, one became a docor, one was a devoted mother and wife. It was interesting to listen as Kay shared about how they, via phone, letter, brief visits, always seemed to encourage each other.

Another friend shared how, when he was a young lad, his uncle, not much older than he was, always encouraged him to do this or that; they would share how things worked with each other. Yes, they did have some disagreements, but with a little space in time, "S. L." shared that the two of them usually worked things out, giving each other a second chance - sometimes even involving his daddy.

Another neighbor shared some of these same things; mentioning how reading Acts 15, had helped them as they read how Barabas and Paul had a major disagreement about whether or not to bring along John Mark.  Barnabas gave Mark a second chance which encouraged him to succeed as a missionary.

A doctor retired, moved away, sent a thank you letter to each of his patients. "D.M." was sure that the doctor. had sent a thank you note to each of his dear patients.  He was missed. "D.M." was sure all felt blessed to have been thanked.

Lord, thank You for walking alongside each of us, and placing people in our lives who helped make US who we are today. Help us to encourage others.

Love, Mara