Summer Service

The gift of encouragement

This week has had two pretty challenging nights of outreach, leaving me exhausted and frustrated. Last night after chapel at one of the shelters, a little girl came up to me with this picture. She had drawn LeeElla and I leading the service. She was so sweet as she gave me the picture and a hug.

I was reminded of a reading in the Psalms that I had pondered earlier in the week. Psalm 45 is a song of praise to a king and queen. It can be read on many levels, but when I read it, I found it to be an encouraging word of honor to those who seek to serve the kingdom with integrity, valor and beauty.

King: “Gird your sword upon your thigh, most mighty one, according to your honor and majesty. In your majesty be victorious; ride out for the sake of truth, to bear witness to righteousness, and your right hand shall show you marvelous things.” -Psalm 45:3-4

Queen: “…at your right hand stands the Queen in a vesture of gold, wrought with many colors…all glorious within the palace; her clothing is of wrought gold.” -Psalm 45:9,13

This portrait felt like a small honor after a difficult week. An important reminder to the value of expressing gratitude and kindness because everyone needs encouragement.

This is especially true during the summer when the load of parenting, serving and pastoring is heavier in some ways.

I see it in the mother’s faces and hear it in their voices since kids are home from school for some families and that can add quite a bit of extra stress on many levels.

I see it at the Shelters where there’s less volunteers and more work in the summer.

I’ve seen it in the kitchens at the shelters where chefs are giving their best attempts to craft meals for guests and residents with less help but more hungry stomachs.

I witness it in the volunteers in churches and organizations that are holding steady, serving Jesus and the people He calls them to love.

So the strain and load can be extra challenging for many in the summer and encouragement and honor are a special gift to receive.

I am grateful for little moments like these that help keep us focused on what matters: loving God and loving people.