Safe Assumptions

I know, I know. We're taught to never assume. Too many bad things can come from that, right? And in just about every case, I'd say you're right.

But.

I think there's at least one part of life where you can make assumptions and be safe: the part where you assume someone around you could use a little encouragement.

We had a meeting this week with one of the pastors at our church, and during the meeting, she mentioned how much she loved the thank you note I sent her after my birthday. She said it had encouraged her so much, and she would keep it forever, because it reminded her of things she needed to hear.

She wasn't the only one who said something like that to me after the thank you notes went out. It seems I have a handful of friends who needed to be lifted up and reminded that they're valuable to me.

And I understand that!

It happened to us on Sunday when the announcements we'd recorded played during the service. (There is nothing that will make this girl's sometimes-insecure heart beat faster than seeing a larger than life version of herself on a screen. What were people thinking? What had I been thinking??) And after church, some people stepped out of their way to tell us we'd done a good job.

Relief. Acceptance. 

I thought of it last night after we got home from choir practice, and I thought of the people I should have stopped to encourage. The people I should have built up. They're singing solos and playing instruments and probably wouldn't hate hearing they are doing well. Why didn't I pause to take those two seconds? (You can better believe I will be pausing at the next practice!)

So yes, I believe we can safely assume everyone around us could benefit from a little encouragement. A reminder that they're seen and known and loved. A reminder that they have value and meaning.

Who can you encourage today?