Humbled

The best compliments and encouragement come in the form or casual comments and leave me humbled at the same time. Here are some examples from recent months, that continue to encourage me as I wade through the morass of decision making.

“I pray for you every day…”

While home on furlough so many people told me that they pray for me everyday and that they find me an inspiration. This was not just from close friends. Sometimes it was from from people I barely know, other times from people I look up to myself. Even when I am bad at keeping in touch with them, they are praying for me. Even though I am just working at living each day well, using the skills I’ve been given in the place I feel called, apparently I am inspiring people. My life feels fairly ordinary as I live it each day. I am inspired to keep going by those who have encouraged me. When I am overwhelmed by decisions to be made, I am reminded that there are friends who carry me.

“Thank you for your friendship…”

Over the last year I’ve exchanged a number of emails with married friends who’ve been going through an incredibly difficult time. I live in a different country, am slow to reply to emails and only caught up with them once while in the same city. I am aware of how much more I could have done, but did not. Yet by email and in person they tell me that I’ve been a friend and a support. Rather than telling myself I know better, I am working to hear their words and be encouraged.

“I’ll build you a house…”

When discussing possible destinations to work with a language long term, one colleague quickly told me that as soon as we were ready, he was ready to build us a village house. Several of the others in the conversation added their support that they too would love to be part of a building party. In the middle of all the details and decisions, knowing that my friends are waiting to be practical and supportive, even before I’ve asked them, is an enormous encouragement.

In writing this, my intent is not to brag, but to say ‘Thank you!’

To all of you who pray for me, thank you.

To all of you who care in practical ways, thank you.

To all of you who encourage me in ways you do not even realise, thank you.

 At the moment, as I am in the middle of what feels like endless decisions, you are carrying me in more ways than you can know, so thank you!