@bethvogt
Did you know that September 12 was National Day of Encouragement? That it’s an annual national holiday?
I didn’t.
With just a bit of research, I discovered National Day of Encouragement started when a group of high school students attending a leadership forum were asked:
- what was the biggest problem young people were facing
- what’s a solution for the problem
The problem? Lack of encouragement.
The solution? Declaring September 12 National Day of Encouragement. It’s been an official holiday since 2007.
Let’s back up. The students were asked to name the biggest problem affecting them. Of all the things they could have selected – financial struggles, family struggles, academic struggles – they lasered in on lack of encouragement.
Anybody else surprised besides me?
I’m all for having a National Day of Encouragement.
We have all sorts of “National Days” throughout the year. Just in September, there’s National Bowling League Day (Sept. 3); National Play-Doh Day (Sept. 16); National Car Free Day (Sept. 22); and National Good Neighbor Day (Sept. 28).
Back to the National Day of Encouragement. What about purposing to encourage others every day of the year, not just one day in September?
Are we choosing to be kind to others daily, considering both the words we speak and how we interact with others?
Encouragement can be something as simple as remembering to say please or thank you or good job. A smile, tipping the barista in the Starbucks drive-thru, or writing a short note can also cheer up someone. So often people don’t feel seen, much less appreciated or valued. When we take the time to let another person know we value them and what they do, that we are grateful for them, we change the course of their day – maybe even their life.
Encouragement means we offer someone support, confidence, or hope. Sometimes we don’t realize how much someone needs a boost of confidence or an influx of hope. What we say, what we do, makes more difference than we ever realize. Our words of encouragement can become a true blessing in someone else’s life.
Never underestimate the investment of encouragement in someone else’s life.
When has someone else’s encouragement made a difference in your life?
Making Today and Every Day an Opportunity to Encourage Others #hope #kindness Click To Tweet 'Hope and encouragement, especially hope, is probably one of the greatest things you can give another person.' #quote by coach Becky Hammon #hope #encouragement Click To Tweet
There’s still time to enter my contest designed for all you booklovers, with a dash of Christmas thrown in! You can enter here .
Comments 14
I remember years ago still early in knowing you when you said a few words of kindness and encouragement during devotions at an ACFW conf. that brought me to tears. Kindness and encouragement unlocks things that nothing else can.
Author
Dee: I’m so thankful for our friendship. It’s woven through and through with encouragement and kindness — and prayers. 🙂
In modern days we’ve turned within
to Netflix and iPhone,
and on the porch the sagging swing
stands silent and alone.
Neighbours leave from the garage
in window-tinted SUV;
to encourage is our charge,
but if we never see
those who live scant feet away,
exchange nor smile, nor wave,
what is there that we might say
that would, perhaps, begin to save
a downcast heart kept hip and hidden
from its streamlined lonely prison?
Author
Your words are powerful, my friend. Thank you for sharing them.
Praying for you.
I had never heard of National Encouragement Day! I used to daily make an intention to encourage one person that day (at least). You’ve prompted me to get intentional again around encouraging others.
Author
Lynn: I like your idea of intentionally encouraging one person a day. That’s a great habit.
encouragement can mean so much to others.
Author
Hi, Denise: We never know how our encouraging words or actions affect someone else for hours or days to come.
This–> “When we take the time to let another person know we value them and what they do, that we are grateful for them, we change the course of their day – maybe even their life.”
It costs nothing to be kind and encouraging. And you’re right–those simple moments can be life-changing.
Author
Lisa: Your life is steeped in kindness, my friend. It comes so naturally to you.
I loved the series about the Thatcher sisters! I hope that your Christmas Novella about them will be for sale in case I don’t win the drawing!!!
Author
Hi, DiAnn! Yes, the novella will be available in November.
I never knew there was a National Day of Encouragement. But it is much needed. The most encouragement I ever had was from my BFF, who died several years ago. I really miss her sweet words and loving attitude. Thanks for sharing.
Author
Jocelyn: I’m sure you treasure the memories of your best friend. I’m so sorry she’s no longer with you — except in memory.