Do You Need Some Encouragement?

Lately we've been going through some things as a pastor and wife. Helping people deal with their problems can be messy and emotionally exhausting. Sometimes I feel like walking away from it all. BUT. Then you see someone doing something you suggested or someone writes you a note saying what an encouragement you've been to them. Suddenly you don't feel quite so worn out. You feel like you can go on again.

 

That being said I also had someone remind me recently that we don't do what we do for the people we're hoping to help (although we do love them and want to see them have abundantly blessed lives). We do it because it's the right thing to do. So whether or not they listen to us or walk away from us, we still have to do what's right. That reminded me of a poem I read years ago that through the years has been a blessing and encouragement to me.

I thought I would share this poem with you today. Maybe someone else is tired of caring for others and having it hurt. If so, I hope this poem encourages you like it does me.

It matters not if cherished friends
On whom I leaned in vain

Have wounded me by word or deed

And left me with great pain.

What matters is, can I forgive

Again, and yet again?
It's not, have they been true, but, Lord,

Have I been true to them?

 

'Twill matter not when evening comes

How rough the road I've trod

If only I have walked with Him

And led some soul to God.

For when I wake to be like Him

Who saved me by His grace

Earth's pain will vanish when I catch

One glimpse of His dear face.

     ~Author Unknown

And finally, here is a song that my sister sent to me this morning that really spoke to me.