Patti Burris

Encouraging words are like manna for the soul. They boost our confidence and our spirit when times are tough. While out running errands today, I stopped at Subway for lunch. The sandwich artist was a young man who was noticably nervous. As he fumbled with my sandwich he apologized and explained that he was new. I had already guessed that. I waited patiently while he made my sandwich and fumbled with the cash register. Before I turned to go, I wanted to leave him with an encouraging word, “hang in there, your doing fine”. He gives me a thumbs up and smiles. It was easy for me to empathize. I remember many times when I was the newbie and shaking in my slip resistant shoes. Even now, after 6 months at my current job, which on most days I like, I have moments when my confidence is shaken and I feel like running for the door. It is in those moments when I hear that encouraging whisper from my Heavenly Father, “hang in there, your doing fine”.

In the midst of our daily activities, keep your heart open for those moments to encourage those around you who may be the newbies, those around you who may be hurting, those around you who simply may need to be encouraged. Those moments are there, if our hearts are open to them.

God Bless!