Funny thing about encouragement...

Why do you think it is, that sometimes we need to be reminded of the encouragement that once so emboldened our hearts? My wonderful wife did this for me last night... allow me to explain.
When we decided to leave our post in Pennsylvania for a position in Ohio, there was going to be a month of time where I wouldn't be working. The Lord really impressed upon me that this would be a great time of sabbatical for me. In college ministry, you never truly get a break and we had been at it for over 10 years. Those four weeks were going to be a time of rest and research for me, and they were.
Now, if you know anything of our story, we are in a place where the position that I had accepted fell through days before it was to begin and once again, I am searching for where the Holy Spirit would lead us next. No doubt, this has been a trying time and emotions have run the gamut, but through it all God is sovereign. Last night, I was feeling somewhat worn out over the whole, "being in limbo" thing when my fantastically insightful wife shot me a little reminder.
"You just need to remember that you're still on sabbatical." 
It is amazing to me how so little a thing to say, to be reminded of, can have such a big impact emotionally. Pastors and ministers look forward to this time that they get to rest, read, and serve. May I honor the rest of us by being deligent with my time.
"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:23-25 NASB)
I can once again see my time as not simply spinning my wheels with no apparent purpose. Rather, I can focus on the present and what I am doing with today. And may Jesus Christ be glorified with what I do with the days He gives me.
Encourage someone today. Give it meaning as well as feeling. Remind them of the purpose that is set before them and help fan the flame of a fervent spirit. 

---