I have heard and tried to live by the scripture “LOVE KEEPS NO RECORD OF WRONG.”
But today I want to encourage you to instead, keep a record of right.
Last week, a young friend who spends copious amounts of time in our home, announced a big decision, and a virtuous one in our opinion. He then followed up with, “Thanks for the nudge,” intimating that in some small way, our family had encouraged him into this monumental calling. I felt so blessed, so used, and so loved by God that someone could alter the course of their life based on anything our family had shared with them, that I am beginning a new list…and I am encouraging you to do the same.
This new “Hall of Fame” is going to be a list of how love and encouragement from our family influenced someone in their walk of life, faith, and calling. Of course it won’t be exhaustive because you never can truly know the sum total of every smile, “God Bless You,” or warm meal you share…but it will certainly be an encouragement to us on those days where the boys plan (and slightly succeed with) a mutiny, or the days when for whatever reason, our spirits are down.
I want to encourage you that every family is “in the ministry.” There are those languishing in solitude that need our company, college kids that need a home away from home, missionaries that need a place to furlough, and broken hearted families that need to be reminded of what “family” under the love and joy of the Holy Spirit looks like.
Minister.
And when you see or hear of a difference you or your family have made in someone’s life, then record it… so on the days when you wonder if anything you do EVER makes a difference, you have a reference to fall back on that spurs you to greater works.
Keep a record of “rights,” the things you have done right that you may boast in the goodness of the Lord in how He has used your family to love on others.
You never know how such a list may help you through a difficult time, and you will be the one encouraged.
lyettereback says
I think the very fact that we have a list will give us incentive to fill it. Let’s do it!
cherylplourde says
Lyette, this made me cry because I remember that time in your life and how you all pushed through and allowed the Lord to use it.
You reminded me of this experience when I found out that I was expecting twins and encouraged me that my 8 children could take on the challenges that faced us. Not only did you encourage us with your words but with deeds also! You showed up 8 months pregnant with baby Stone to help get our home ready for 3 new babies! You loved us in words and deeds. My children did in fact step up and we often talk about that time as one of the the biggest and best challenges in our family life! At times it was very hard but we learned to trust the Lord for each day, sometimes for each moment. Your encouragement along the way made all the difference!
When I think of how you share your life with others I think of 1 Thessalonians 2:8;
“Having so fond an affection for you, we were well-pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become very dear to us.”
Thank you for sharing your life with us!