Encouragement

Had I met my husband when he was in high school, I never would have dated him. (At least that’s what he’s repeatedly told me.)

He’s probably right.

Now I know it may be hard to believe, but I would not have been impressed by the kid ‘lighting up the tires’ on his ’67 Mustang in the high school parking lot, creating a billowing cloud of white smoke. (Just for the record, the teacher who witnessed the spectacle and reported the license plate of his car was not impressed either.)

Nor would I have been entertained by the kid who shorted out an entire science lab by inserting both ends of a paperclip into a power outlet. (Regardless of the ingenuity demonstrated in avoiding bodily harm.)

We could even go back to his elementary school days. I have thought about what it would have been like to be his teacher.

What would I have done with the kid who removed a single shelf clip from many library bookshelves, so when a book was removed the whole shelf toppled over?

Fortunately, when my husband was about 12 years old, his dad recognized his love for taking things apart and encouraged him to work on small engines. By the time the hubby was fifteen, he had his own small engine repair business.

After high school, he studied car and diesel mechanics. Toward the end of his final year, his instructor encouraged him to continue his education at A & P school (aircraft maintenance). During his time there, he was encouraged to get his pilot’s license.

When he started working, he was fortunate to have an older coworker who encouraged him to keep learning.

And today, 41 years after graduating from high school, he cannot believe how fortunate he is to have the job he has.

How blessed we are when we have people in our lives who encourage us.

People who see something in us we may not see in ourselves.

People who encourage us by not only acknowledging what we do well, but challenge us…to do the right thing instead of the easy thing…to take a leap of faith…to not give up.

How fortunate we are when we are surrounded by people who encourage us to become the best version of ourselves.

Something to Make

Something to Read

Something to Ponder

Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.

Proverbs 12:25

It’s been a rough week, but I am hopeful for happier tomorrows. Losing Quinn, our dog, was incredibly painful. She was so much a part of our everyday life and routine. It’s a different life post Quinnie, and it’s a big adjustment. I’ve so appreciated all the kind words and keepsakes people have shared with me. It truly has made a difference. Thank you. Take care, my friends.