Oxygen for the Soul

Cincinnati Museum Center

When our daughter Heather and her family from Washington State come to visit us here (including her two brothers and their families), we take the two granddaughters to the Cincinnati Museum Center.

This last time, Sophie (age eight) particularly enjoyed the simulated rock quarry, where children can learn about simple machines. Tools like shovels and wheelbarrows are part of the equipment provided.  (That was three year-old Elena’s speed.)

NOT Elena, but another little quarry worker

Some of the equipment is more complicated, including, a rope-and-pulley scoop for picking up foam rocks then lifting them off the ground, and a crane to move the scoop over to a dump truck.

By trial-and-error Sophie figured out how to adjust the ropes for maneuvering the scoop into the pile of rocks, then tilt it upright. A tall, brawny, football-player-in-the making came along to join in the play. He was probably about ten years old. I watched to see if he would use his size to take over the operation.

Instead, he and Sophie began to work together. He would pile foam rocks for her to scoop, then jump up to the heavy crane that would transfer the scoop over to the truck. He never bossed, but spoke respectfully. They had a grand time experimenting and problem-solving.

Or you can play Frustrate-Your-Sister!

Once or twice the boy spoke to his mom. She was very busy keeping track of a younger son and toddler daughter who liked to go in opposite directions. My thoughts returned to the exhausting days when our three children were young.

On our way out of the quarry-area, Heather, the girls, and I passed by that busy mom.

“Your son is a fine gentleman,” I said, then shared with her my observations.

A beautiful smile transformed her face. “Oh, thank you!” she enthused. “You never know if they’ll remember their manners.”

“Well, he sure is minding them this morning. You’re doing a great job!” And with a light squeeze on the young mother’s arm, I hurried to catch up with my girls.

That’s when I noticed the atmosphere had changed; the air seemed purer.   Those positive words meant to bless a busy mom had blessed me too, and an afterglow of refreshing joy filled my heart–just for trying to make someone else’s day a bit brighter.

Those wise words of Solomon proved true again:

Of course, more important is the affirmation-afterglow in the life of that young mother. My prayer is our little conversation provided her with encouragement and confidence to press on in her conscientious child-rearing.

I’m very hopeful of a such a result, based on my own experience at that stage of life. At least a couple of times when our children were small, a stranger stopped at our table in a restaurant and commended them for their calm behavior.

Now, more than thirty years later, I still remember those spirit-lifting, confidence-building comments. (Although I must confess: at home they were anything but calm!)

I, for one, want to grow as an encourager—to strengthen the hearts of others as they face life’s challenges. Maybe you do too.

Just how might we achieve that goal? Possibilities include:

• Share positive words based on our observations—even with strangers like that mom at the museum, or with diners at a restaurant.
• Be specific and give examples about the positive traits we see.   Folks are often blind to their own commendable behaviors.
• Express appreciation for anything and everything. (We’ve mentioned this behavior before, but I need the reminder.) We can also increase the power of a thank-you by adding a smile, eye contact, and maybe even a touch on the arm if appropriate.
• Show interest in the thoughts and activities of others. Validation is even more powerful than praise.
• Encourage the encouragers! We can tell others how their words have blessed us, to keep determination and confidence flowing among us.

Encouragement is indeed a powerful force, fostering perseverance, strength, and hope.

Best of all, it brings glory to God as we affirm his character in those around us.

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Thank you, Father, for the privilege of ministering encouragement, for the delight you engineer in the heart of the one who receives and the one who gives. May I breathe strength, hope, and confidence into others wherever I go.

Art & photo credits:  www.commonswikimedia.org; http://www.visitflyovercountry.com; http://www.inventorsoftomorrow.com; http://www.stocksnap.io; http://www.wallpaperflare.com; http://www.pxfuel.com;  http://www.quotefancy.com.