We accidentally got to the library eight minutes early and had to wait in the lobby. This doesn’t seem like a big deal . . . but with three young boys, eight extra minutes can feel like eight hours.
First, they excitedly took turns feeding books into the automated return system. They ooh-ed and ahh-ed (and fussed and shoved to get a better look) as the scanner scanned and the titles appeared on the screen and the conveyor belt carried each book to the appropriate bin.
When our book bag was empty, they slurped water from the drinking fountain, hid under the massive stairwell, and asked a gazillion questions about what would happen if the concrete cracked and fell on top of them and would they for sure be crushed? There were trips to the bathroom and investigating a row of cupboards foolishly void of padlocks.
My sweet boys weren’t being bad. Not one bit. Just inquisitive, antsy, talkative, active kids. After eight minutes, their mama was slightly exhausted.
Finally the clock struck 10. The bell tower chimed and the sliding glass doors opened. The small crowd that had gathered filed into the quiet library. Jude jumped and Elias squealed and Noah started to sprint as I reminded them again to please walk and use inside voices.
An older woman who had been waiting nearby caught my eye. “It’s going to be a long summer,” she said.
“Yes, it is,” I replied with a weak smile and a sigh.
Her eyes brightened and smile warmed. Then she added, “But thank you for staying home with them.”
All I could do was whisper thank you back. She gave me a knowing nod as I followed after my sons — my back a bit straighter, my steps a bit lighter.
It’s been a few months and this unexpected encounter has stuck with me. A simple thank you from a stranger — a kind word to make a weary mama feel seen. Is there an easier gift of encouragement to give?
So I pass on these sweet words to you: Thank you.
Thank you for changing diapers and reading stories. Thank you for going to work and still making dinner when you’re dog-tired. Thank you for cheering at swim lessons and folding laundry and answering the billionth question to quench a little person’s curiosity. Thank you for helping your neighbor and listening to your coworker. Thanks for getting to church early to set up or staying late to tear down. Thanks for putting one foot in front of the other, for smiling as you do.
Thank you for being you. No one else could fill your shoes.
Today is National Day of Encouragement and I keep thinking about what a big impact a small word of encouragement can make in someone’s day. Green is a great color on you. You love well. I’m impressed by how you handled that.
Simple words are the uncomplicated gift we can all give one another without cost or limit. I have saved voicemails and texts from friends when their messages of affirmation were well-timed lifelines of hope and assurance. I digest their encouragement like soul nourishment.
Kind words are like honey — sweet to the soul and healthy for the body. (Proverbs 16:24)
Sometimes we just need to know we’re valued, celebrated, seen. So in honor of National Encouragement Day, would you consider how you can lavish the simple kindness of encouragement on those around you today? Here are some more ideas to get you started:
Ten Simple Things to Say to Encourage Someone Today
- I see you.
- I’m proud of you.
- God made you beautiful.
- You shine doing that thing you’re created to do.
- I’m thankful for you.
- You inspire me.
- I appreciate your hard work.
- God delights in you.
- You make my day brighter.
- I’m blessed to call you friend.
Look for that frazzled mom in the grocery store or that shy coworker in the corner cubicle. Think of your best friend or school secretary or the crossing guard you pass every day. Stop and say, Thank you. I see you. You’re making a difference.
May we be women who encourage one another to keep on keepin’ on. May our steps lighten with God’s joy and strength as we do.
A note from (in)courage: In recognition of the National Day of Encouragement (9/12), DaySpring is daring people everywhere to reach beyond their comfort zones and take action in their #EncouragementDare. Sign up and you’ll receive a free downloadable Encouragement Kit to help you offer uplifting words to those around you!
Leave a Comment
Michele Morin says
What is it about boy energy when waiting? I always feel a special connection with mum’s of multiple sons (I have four), so I will say thank YOU for loving on those rowdy boys, for doing the extra-dirty laundry and wiping the sticky fingerprints off the fridge handle, for reminding about inside voices – and then reminding again because the volume seems stuck on high.
Blessings to you and your boys, Becky!
Augusta says
Becky may you and your your boys be blessed. Encouragement is what we all need to keep us going.May I make it a habit to encourage others.
Becky Keife says
Thank you, Augusta! Blessings are your day too as you do the work and love the people God has given you.
Becky Keife says
Michele, I will receive that thank you and let you encouragement sink deep today. I feel a shared kindredness with other boy moms too. Thanks for seeing me today.
Bev @ Walking Well With God says
Becky,
I was right there with you experiencing those dreadfully long eight minutes lol. Thank YOU for reminding us to be encouragers – not just on this day, but every day. We are quick to jump on the one thing someone does wrong, but so slow to applaud all the things they do well. “Thank you” takes seconds to utter, but could resound with someone who hears it for a long time. I needed this reminder to use my words well…to use words to build others up and not to tear them down. Thank you for this much needed post 🙂
Blessings,
Bev xx
Becky Keife says
“Thank you” takes seconds to utter, but could resound with someone who hears it for a long time. — that’s exactly it, Bev! So glad this post resonated with you today.
Cherrilynn Bisbano says
Becky, I have one son, but three! God bless you. I stay home too. He is 15 and goes to high school but he appreciates knowing that I am here for him when he gets off the bus. I will thank someone today. Thank you for your inspiring post.
Becky Keife says
Cherrilynn, my boys are 5, 7, and 8, but I know you’re right in that they will never stop needing me. What a privilege to be a mom in all seasons. Thanks for sharing today.
Dani says
Thanks for this today! Much needed and thanks for the reminder to pass it on!
Becky Keife says
Glad you’re here with us, Dani! Thanks for being YOU.
Eva Romick says
Dear Becky,
What a wonderful topic to remind us about…..saying “Thank-you”. It is a blessing to be able to stay home with your children, however to encourage the many single Moms is even more important. Being there for them and being aware of their many needs is very helpful.
Hopefully we can all be a bit creative how to encourage not only in word, but through our outreach and actions.
Thank YOU for your dedication and how you are sharing with others.
Love and prayers,
Eva
Becky Keife says
Thank you, Eva, for your thoughtful words. I totally agree! Moms (and all women!) in every life stage and season need the gift of being seen, encouraged, supported on their journey. I’m a work-from-home mom and have a single-mom sister who works full time. I’m continually reminded how much we all need God to fill in the gaps of what we cannot do…and how often he does that through the hands and words of others. Thanks so much for being a voice of encouragement and truth to those around you too.
Brenda says
The beautiful thing about encouragement is that it’s a mutually beneficial gift. Such a warmth comes over you when you’re able to brighten someone’s day. And, as you’ve shared so well–it only takes a small word or deed to make a big impact on someone’s day. Love this, thanks for sharing, Becky. I need to go check out this #encouragementdare. ((xoxo))
Becky Keife says
I’ve found that to be so true, too, Brenda! Encouragement is a gift to the giver and receiver.
Lara says
What a great post, Becky!! I love to encourage others, and I will put my encouragement in overdrive today and everyday! I am in Metro Atlanta, and Hurricane/Tropical Storm Irma left almost one million people without power in my state of Georgia. Thankfully, we have it, but it is my mission to thank a Georgia Power worker or police officer today because they are working around the clock. Maybe I’ll give one a Starbucks card or give one a cup of coffee for a well-deserved break! 🙂
Regardless, I cannot wait to shower people with thanks today! Thank you again for your words!
In Him,
Lara <
Becky Keife says
Lara, I love that idea! What a great way to see the tangible needs around you and bless someone with the gift of being seen and thanked. I’m so glad you are safe and will be praying for your community and state. Shine on!
Ginny Dadaian says
Becky,
Thank you for your words of encouragement on this special day!! Isn’t it wonderful when God puts those people in our lives to “keep us going” at that perfect time! HIS timing is perfect!!
Bless you,
Ginny
Becky Keife says
Ginnny! So wonderful to see you here. 🙂 Yes, God’s timing is always perfect…His presence always near.
Ginny Dadaian says
Amen to that Becky!!!
Pearl Allard says
“Simple words are the uncomplicated gift we can all give one another…” LOVE this, Becky! Thank you. And I was right there with you waiting for the library to open! My two kids and I have been in the same position before. (Don’t we get gold stars for being early, or something?)
Becky Keife says
Pearl, Ten gold stars for you today just for being YOU! 🙂
Rebecca L Jones says
Thank you mothers, you do a lot and God notices.
Becky Keife says
🙂
Susan says
Thank you for a beautiful post, Becky! I’m so thankful for the woman’s kindness in your life. We all need to remember to offer the encouragement that will change another’s day. Your post is a good reminder! – Susan
Melissa says
It feels so good to be seen and understood as you are. I, too, have saved voice mails and text messages from loved ones that were simple to them and dear to me. Thank you for the reminder to touch someone else today and let them know they are being seen. God Bless!
Mia says
✩✩✩✩✩ (5 Stars)
Andrea says
Hello Ladies,
I know this is way off subject. How do you ladies deal with your husbands and other women in the workplace? My husband works at a call center and works with many women. A male friend who my husband works with has had an affair at this job. He has since repented and renewed his vows with his wife. Praise God! I’m very fearful that my husband will fall. Any advice? Wisdom? Prayers?
Thank you all for a safe place to come and get this out.
Becky Keife says
Hi, Andrea,
I’m glad you feel like (in)courage is a safe space for you to share your concerns. I feel the heaviness of your worry over this situation. My encouragement to would be to: talk openly about your fears with your husband without accusation, pray protection over your husband and your marriage every day, and remind yourself daily that his friend’s failure was a result of a series of bad choices and working in the same environment does not doom your husband to the same outcome. My husband also works closely closely with females. His commitment to me (and mine to him) is to keep conversations on a professional level and not share or process personal details with a person of the opposite sex. Perhaps voicing and affirming some similar boundaries would help alleviate some your fears. I’m praying for your heart and the upcoming conversations you and your husband might have.
With love and hope,
Becky
Beth Williams says
Becky,
Thank you and all stay-at-home moms. You have a thankless job. You are raising the next generation. Bravo!!! I am an encourager by nature. Saying thank you & sending nice notes to people is done all the time. It makes me feel good when people compliment me, give hugs, etc. I want to share that with others & spread the love of God around. Also I joined the Encouragement Dare. I will try to give out as much encouragement as possible-not just today but everyday.
Blessings 🙂
Theresa Boedeker says
Thanks for encouraging us to be liberal with our thank you’s to others. Who doesn’t like to be noticed and thanked? I see how it delights my son when I thank him. How others look surprised when you thank them. Let us be thankers of others.
Naomi Fata says
Love how that lady spoke those encouraging words to you! As a mom with three littles I know how much I would value those words. What a great reminder to purposefully speak those words to others !
Meghan says
I have three as well. This same scenario happened to me at a store and I went home to write about it. I didn’t want to forget the details! These thoughtful acts of kindness go so far! I am glad she encouraged you, and you us. God bless, Becky!
Doris says
Thanks for the affirmation. I do tend to do this to strangers even but many find my action so odd 🙂