Encouraging Words

“Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up” (Proverbs 12:25)

I came across this bible verse during our weekly marriage devotional session. The theme for this particular week was about the importance of supporting and encouraging your spouse instead of criticizing them. Being the one to wipe their tears, to point out their strengths and be their biggest cheerleader. This lesson really spoke to me this week.

Hadleigh, my 8-month-old, had a very rough day this week. It was one of those days that no matter what you did, the crying, the screaming and the tugging would not end. She wouldn’t nap, she couldn’t be put down and I just couldn’t get anything done. I felt myself actually getting angry with this tiny human, who was probably in severe teething pain. She wasn’t acting this way to make me angry, she was just trying to communicate how she felt. And in this moment, I felt that mom guilt. You know the one I’m talking about…when you question your ability to be a parent. Why am I feeling this way? Why can’t I have more patience? Why didn’t I just go back to work full time? Why can’t I calm her down? Why, why, why?

By the time my husband got home I felt like I had been completely drained of any life that was in me. I didn’t feel like myself. I was run down, tired and defeated. He gladly took over nighttime duty, as he always does. I poured myself a glass of wine and retreated to my bedroom to regain my strength. Praying to God that tomorrow would be a better day.

I woke up the next morning to a note written by my husband reassuring me that I am appreciated for everything I do for him and my daughter. That I am loved and that I am a great mother. I cried. I needed to hear (or read) that desperately.

I don’t mean to tell you this to complain about being a mom, or to brag about my husband. I am telling you this because everyone experiences self-doubt. No matter what situation you are in…whether you are a working mom, stay at home mom, a wife, a husband, a daughter, a son. You will have times when you question your role in this life. You will question whether you are good enough. You will compare your life to others. You will experience so much anxiety that you dread getting up the next morning.

Life is hard as it is. But having people to encourage you, to support you, to be a shoulder to cry on – these people help you realize life is worth it. You are a good mom and a good person.

There is another quote I came across the same day that resonated with me:

God didn’t add another day in your life because you need it, he added it because someone out there needs you.

So, the point of this story is…be an encourager. Let your husband know you appreciate what he does for your family. Tell your friend she is going to be amazing at her new job. Tell your brother he is going to heal from that injury. Send that new mom a card and some flowers because I guarantee she will need a pick-me-up today.

Choose to turn someones day around. Be an encourager. The world has plenty of critics already.

Thank you for reading. If anyone is interested in doing marriage devotionals, here is one that Brendan and I are doing 😊