To the Everyday Encouragers

It takes a village to raise a child. And sometimes it takes an army of people to transform an adult.

The funny thing is, when I became an adult, I thought I had arrived. I no longer needed help or being told what to do. But that is not true. Our lives need changing, even as a grown adult. And the funny thing is, most of the time I am not even aware of the influence that other people have on me--or the influence that I could have on others. There are so many people around me who shed light in places that are broken.

This bit of trickling thought is for you. Even if you don't know it yet.

This is to those who have helped encourage me, step by step, as I walk through my life. And you might not even know what a difference you make. You are all around me, usually on the outskirts of my life, in places unexpected, though you play a huge part in transforming my mindset.

To the barista who decides to quit her job so that she can move closer to the public service position she has always wanted. Your bravery inspires me. To the young woman who decides to show up to work even though she has been through a personal tragedy that week. Your courage is amazing. To that group of friends who choose to step out of their natural boundaries and reach out to a Friend who needs a community. You are impacting more than just that one life. To the man who sits down with a Stranger just so that he can share an encouraging word. Your words warm the soul. To the person who buys a coffee for the tired Mom in line behind him. You are giving her a chance to breathe.

Each of you might not even realize that you are breaking through the ordinary-ness of life, that you are touching, maybe permanently, the lives of other people. But you are.

Your selflessness is a ripple effect for those around you.

When you offer a smile for the person who serves food, this shows them that they are noticed. When you grant a listening ear when a friend has had a bad day, it reminds them that they have a voice. Sometimes it just takes moment to take someone's mind off of what has been happening, but a chance to relax in the peace of chaotic chatter might be just what is needed.

So for YOU who takes that chance, who steps out into the world and notices the people around you, let me share: You are making a difference. The little bit that you do to reach outside of your comfort zone is a giant sphere of hope to those who receive it. It is like smelling the rain right before it comes. It reminds those around you to open up their hearts and let the joy penetrate, even when there is so much sorrow around them.

This attention makes a difference, placing yourself in situations that seem thankless at times. But every single day you step out of their truck, your car, your bike, your house, and take a step toward humanity. Towards the hurting people around you. You smile, you reach out your hands, and you offer what you can.

Sometimes it is enough. And sometimes it isn't. But the key is not to stop.

Sometimes you might miss the mark. You will blow up at someone, you will ignore advice, you will hurt someone you love. And yet you should keep reaching out. Keep trying. Keep going. Keep stepping. Because you just don't know what might be right around the corner.

Because you just might make someone's day just a little bit brighter. And the next person you encounter might need exactly what you have to offer. Not anyone else.

YOU.