I have a confession. I am a hoarder. Not a hoarder like those who might find themselves on a reality TV show. But I have a tendency to hang on to things rather than discard it. Every once in a while, with my wife’s motivation, I realize the need to purge. Recently, I began purging some things in my office. I found all types of cords and cables, notebooks and artwork, files and folders.

I have always kept a folder labeled, “Notes,” and “Personal Notes of Encouragement.” Over the years, I had accumulated multiple folders with these labels. As I was consolidating files, I took some time to read through literally hundreds of personal notes that I have received throughout my years of serving through the local church. I meet a lot of pastors who are discouraged and have been called to places of ministry that are difficult places to serve. My heart goes out to them! As I was reading each of these notes that span throughout my nearly 30 years serving through the local church, I am reminded of the value of encouragement in my personal life.

Here are a few selected excerpts from dozens of the notes I have received. I read through them with tears in my eyes remembering I church and those who had written these notes. I don’t share these to boast in any way. I simply wanted to share some of the encouragements people have so generously given to me.

  • “Thank you so much for the love you have shown our family with the passing of our mother. You have been a true pastor and friend during this difficult time.”
  • “You are so sensitive to everyones needs.”
  • “Words cannot express the thanks that I owe… for being there for our family.”
  • “Just wanted to tell you how much your leadership and devotion to serving have been a total blessing to my life!”
  • “I am genuinely thankful for a pastor that embraces 2 Timothy 3:16-17. Thank you for not being afraid to walk through a book of the Bible with your congregation, teaching us to embrace ALL of Scripture.”
  • “Just a note of thanks for your early visit before my surgery on Wednesday morning. It certainly wasn’t expected or necessary, but so appreciated!”
  • “Thank you so much for the impact you are making in our lives and in the lives of those around you.”
  • “Thank you for being here for our family during this difficult time.”
  • “We appreciate you and your family so much.”
  • “You continue to be an example of trust and grace and lovingkindness to everyone watching.”
  • “You have a tremendous gift in teaching/communicating!”
  • “Thank you for always believing in me that I would do good.”
  • “Please personally know how much we appreciate your visits and prayer. It made a tremendous difference in our lives.”
  • “I’m always amazed how you deal so patiently with guiding each of us. It is so obvious that you were called to this place at this time.”
  • “Your kind and caring manner helped me to get through the funeral and interment… You’re visits to him in the hospital and rehab facility always lifted his spirits.”
  • “You say all the time how it’s an honor to be the pastor. But truthfully it’s an honor and privilege to have you as my pastor.”
  • “Watching the video of our wedding in preparation for doing my first formal wedding ceremony. I wanted to thank you for the influence that you have had in our lives and the fact that I can always reach out to your even years later.”
  • “Thank you again for being there when you were needed.”
  • “I know it’s ‘your job to be here’ but you are here always with a smile and laughter in your eyes. Thank you for showing up for these kids that you really care about too – present, approachable, and real, May you be protected from the darts and storms that most of us will never understand. Thanks for your faithfulness.”
  • “You are such an encouragement by just being you.”
  • “I know you’re called to be a pastor and it’s your job to do certain things, but my wife and I consider you and Nova friends. We deeply appreciate the love and guidance that you provide for us on a personal level.”
  • “I so appreciate your kindness, gentleness, and humility.”
  • “You have a gift as a healing agent.”

As I read through more notes than I could count, here are a few takeaways if you want to be an encouragement to your pastor, ministers, or someone else in your life.

  1. TAKE NOTICE | Opportunities come when we take notice of how God is using someone in our own life or the lives of others.
  2. BE SPECIFIC |  As I read through these cards and notes, I realized that they were specific. They took notice of something and wanted to specifically express thanks and encourage me.
  3. BE TIMELY |  When the Lord prompts you to offer encouragement, do not delay.  Do it. You may never realize the impact your note may have  in that person’s life.

 

How have you been encouraged by others?  How has the Lord prompted you to encourage someone else?