Right on Time…

I often have to fight against this feeling of worthlessness. I love to work and achieve and, many times, I feel like what I do is not enough. I believe the lie that who I am is not enough. Though I’ve published books, they haven’t made enough impact on the world. Though I’m putting time into creative endeavors, I don’t have enough to show for my pursuits. Though I’m strategically trying to pour into and encourage others as I’m able, there’s always someone else and not enough of me to go around.

A couple weeks ago, I had another low moment. I was exhausted on every level and these thoughts of worthlessness hit me like a bag of bricks.

“God, I just want to do something worthwhile. I want to produce things that are impactful. I want to make a difference through the things I create.”

That was essentially my prayer of the day. And I just left it there, knowing that God would speak to me accordingly. Thankfully, he kindly course-corrects me when I have gone off and tried to build a kingdom for myself instead of submitting fully to him.

The next day I checked the mail and was greeted by a letter from someone I rarely talk to and have never written a letter to. She was writing to encourage me and share how my latest devotional, A Proverb A Day, has encouraged her.

And I was shocked.

I’m still amazed that the words that I write and the things that I produce can encourage people and help them draw closer to the Lord. How cool is that?! It’s such an incredible privilege and something I hope I never come to take lightly.

But more than that, I was amazed at the timing of it all. The day before, I had been so down in the dumps, wondering if the things that I have done and continue to do are making any positive mark on the world. And this letter confirmed everything that I had been doubting. It came at exactly the right time and was such a gracious reminder from the Lord.

I think that we often underestimate ourselves and our own impact on others. We feel this nudge to encourage someone but we don’t take it because it might be awkward. Or we think to text someone and then we don’t because we get busy (I do this all the time). Or we want to meet up with someone but don’t want to be an inconvenience.

What if we dared to say the thing, give the hug, or write the letter? What if we introduced ourselves or went out of our way or bought the gift just because?

It’s so easy to get wrapped up in our own world, problems, and thinking, that we sometimes forget to look outside of ourselves. But this sweet letter reminded me of how a simple act of kindness can make a tremendous impact on a person’s life. And I hope and pray that we will all be able to get out of our comfort zones and lift our eyes to encourage another today.

Have you ever received encouragement right on time?

How can you go out of your way for another person today?

To go Deeper: Read Single Act of Kindness, Listening is Loving

If you haven’t yet, check out A Proverb A Day, now available on Amazon!

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