| Volume 1 #10 | July 2006                          

Take Whatever Comes...

I hope you all are having a great summer so far! I thought I would share something  I wrote about two years ago on encouragement in my early "Periodic Ponderings" blog.

I think there is a reason why each of us is here. Some people, sadly, never find out what that is. I am one of the lucky ones who knows. I believe that my calling is to recognize gifts and talents, point them out to the person(s), and to anyone who will listen, and encourage them. If you have this kind of call, you do it because it's right beyond a doubt. As natural as breathing. If the person receives the message and is encouraged, the primary goal has been achieved. Whatever else comes to you, in terms of gratitude, friendship, etc. should be considered a gift of richness.

Listen carefully to what I just said: whatever else comes to you. This means not to give encouragement only because you think you are going to get it back or will find more favor or higher standing with someone. If you make that your goal, it will most likely backfire at some point. 

Also realize that, try as you might, not everyone is going to "get" what you do. Others may feel threatened by the impact of what you do if you get your message across powerfully enough to bring forth those unexpected blessings...especially those who have been trying to make certain things happen for themselves. Or, no matter how clear you make your intent, the objects of your encouragement may keep you at arm's length because they remain convinced that you are trying to go through a door they don't want to open, even though you aren't asking for the key. If any of this happens, is it your problem? I say no. We who are committed to encouragement as a means to bring positive change and growth to those lives we desire to touch need to press on. At the same time remaining true to our calling, we must make wise, confident choices on how we support people...and keep confidence in the brightness of the colors we bring to the table.

---Wendy V

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All original written material ©2005-2006 Wendy Vickers. All Rights Reserved.

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