I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the concept of encouragement, and the fact that there is so little of it in this world. I dish out encouragement on occasion when it is expected of me. Who doesn’t? Teachers might include nice comments on well-crafted essays. Teammates cheer for each other during sports. This is to be expected. But sometimes true encouragement is a sincere comment that comes totally out of the blue from someone you know and love. How often do you actually sit someone down, look them in the eye, and say clearly and intentionally: “You are so great. I thank God that you are in my life.” I am appalled by my lack of ability to find such instances in my life where I have taken the initiative to encourage someone. This is something about me I would like to change. It begins now. The next time I think of something I appreciate about a friend, I am going to tell them about it. The next I see a speaker or artist that really impacted me, I am going to try and let them know. Nothing too crazy. Just an intentional shift in the focus of my relationships.