Bring Encouragement With You This Thanksgiving
Bring Encouragement With You This Thanksgiving | November 22nd
USA Today News recently discussed what guests should bring when invited for Thanksgiving dinner with those considered experts in courtesy and etiquette. Their suggestions included flowers arranged in a vase, cornucopias, a box of chocolates, teas, gourmet treats like specialty cheeses, adult beverages, or a book. I don't know about some of those ideas, but being thoughtful to your gracious hosts is always advisable.
Whether you bring a signature side dish, scrumptious dessert, or special gift, your consideration will be well received, especially if this is your first invitation. However, what will really resonate with those you are sharing Thanksgiving with this year is if you bring encouragement. First Thessalonians 5:11 says, "So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing."
We don't need those courtesy and etiquette experts to help us with this. See, you can be encouraging by having a good attitude, acknowledging the hard work of those who prepared the meal, and being available to help. Kind words of appreciation, a willingness to assist, and a positive mood are all ways to encourage others. Most of the time, those sentiments are catchy in that you will create a healthy atmosphere.
Someone once said, "Encouragement is like peanut butter; the more you spread it around, the better things stick together."
Knowing this, prepare your heart and seek to be a blessing of encouragement. Think of it this way: Life has become somewhat unpredictable these days, and stress is at an all-time high for many folks. Also, odds are there will be those sitting at the table with you who either don't know Christ as Savior or need to return to Him. Therefore, you can make an impact with your encouragement this year. You can represent the Lord by way of your demeanor and kindness.
Author William Arthur Ward once said, "Flatter me, and I may not believe you. Criticize me, and I may not like you. Ignore me, and I may not forgive you. Encourage me, and I will not forget you."
Be an encouragement, and thank God in advance for what He will do!
Whether you bring a signature side dish, scrumptious dessert, or special gift, your consideration will be well received, especially if this is your first invitation. However, what will really resonate with those you are sharing Thanksgiving with this year is if you bring encouragement. First Thessalonians 5:11 says, "So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing."
We don't need those courtesy and etiquette experts to help us with this. See, you can be encouraging by having a good attitude, acknowledging the hard work of those who prepared the meal, and being available to help. Kind words of appreciation, a willingness to assist, and a positive mood are all ways to encourage others. Most of the time, those sentiments are catchy in that you will create a healthy atmosphere.
Someone once said, "Encouragement is like peanut butter; the more you spread it around, the better things stick together."
Knowing this, prepare your heart and seek to be a blessing of encouragement. Think of it this way: Life has become somewhat unpredictable these days, and stress is at an all-time high for many folks. Also, odds are there will be those sitting at the table with you who either don't know Christ as Savior or need to return to Him. Therefore, you can make an impact with your encouragement this year. You can represent the Lord by way of your demeanor and kindness.
Author William Arthur Ward once said, "Flatter me, and I may not believe you. Criticize me, and I may not like you. Ignore me, and I may not forgive you. Encourage me, and I will not forget you."
Be an encouragement, and thank God in advance for what He will do!
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