Encouragement is doing something because you want to not because it feels like an obligation.
It is going beyond a perfunctory one-word statement on a facebook wall – which I have done also to be fair
Unexpected flowers from my orange hair, freckle face olive shoot and a family friend – fragrant encouragement!
Those usually produce the opposite of encouragement, quite honestly
But encouragement is a stretch of action and heart to make an effort to say
You matter
I care
I want to help
You are not alone
Many times when I am feeling low, it’s hard to acknowledge I crave help and attention. What if people don’t follow through? What if they said they wanted to help but now suddenly, they make it clear it wasn’t really sincere? 
As I begin week three of recovering from foot surgery, the Lord has used unexpected people to encourage me
A visit from a busy mom after my surgery which then allowed my husband to take our son to see his fiancée in Delaware
A meal prepared by Brazilian friends who wouldn’t let me lift a foot or a finger!
A delicious choc olate/caramel apple beautifully wrapped and other tasty delights delivered with smiles and happiness
Homemade dinners and offers to take me out to run errands
A lunch after Bible study, a ride back home ❤
God has also used certain family members to make my immobile life bearable –
Encouragement gives the heart confidence to carry on
Thank you to all who encourage me on this blog and throughout life. It means so much!
How have others encouraged you this week?
This post was inspired by the sassy gang at Lisa-Jo Baker’s weekly Five Minute Friday!
My Awesome Olive Shoots 
Oh, here’s to a quick recovery and continued unexpected blessings along the way!! Loved your words and your pictures. Thanks for a great post!
Thanks Becky! I enjoyed your post as well!
I had a huge boost of encouragement this week, which I used for my post as well. Your post hit a tender spot today though. I have not been near encouraging enough to a friend who has been ill. I will remedy that, immediately. Thanks for the reminder.
It’s a good word to consider, isn’t it? I love 5FM because I contemplate the word throughout the day and love reading other people’s takes on the word! Thank you for your encouragement as well! I’m sure your friend will be blessed to hear from you!
I loved the sentence. “encouragement gives the heart confidence to carry on.” It sure does. We all need it, too. I am so glad you’ve had so many loved ones come around you in your time of need with foot surgery! God is good. I wish you a very speedy recovery and more encouragement than you can imagine! Blessings!
Thank you Anne! You encouraged me today! May the same happen your way as well! Blessings!
I hope your foot heals quickly. Enjoy the pampering while you can!
Thank you! I’m ready to go back into the game! Put me in coach!
When asked to give someone encouragement, I naturally thought about you! I’ve nominated you for the Liebster Award. Learn more about it here…http://stilettomomma.wordpress.com/2014/01/19/high-heeled-momma-awarded-hat-trick/ Hopes this helps with your foot troubles.