It’s been quite some time since my last post. To be honest, it has not been due to a lack of things to say. Those of you who know me well are fully aware that it is very rare for me to have nothing to say. The truth is that I have come to the realization that, at times, it is best to simply keep my mouth shut and my typing limited.

My personal journal is full of thoughts and reflections concerning events that have taken place since my last post. I just never felt that this public blog was the place to “air my grievances” on various issues that have occurred in my personal life, ministry life, and the world in general during this time frame (and, let’s be honest, it’s not Festivus…yet!).

Instead of taking the time to reflect on this blog site, I’ve used that time to enjoy a bit of quiet. There is something powerful in silence. It is such a rare things these days. Too often, my days are filled with “noise”. Even in those moments that I set aside for quiet reflection, there is usually noise…whether it’s from the music playing in the background…or simply the “white noise” that is so prevalent in our world today. Even when I step outside, my ears are filled with the noises of a busy world…planes, trains, and automobiles.

Recently, I have discovered a place where I can get away from it all. It is a place where I can slip away into “nature” for a bit…the only noises being the birds, the falling leaves, the slight breeze, and random animals that dwell in this particular “forest”. It is a place that is conveniently located to my home and my workplace. Therefore it does not take a great deal of time to arrive at my new quiet place. January will mark two years in the greater Lafayette area…and I’ve just now found my quiet place.

When I emerge from my quiet place, I find myself feeling refreshed, restored, and renewed.

We are rapidly approaching the holiday season. The holiday’s are often busy, noisy, and stress-filled. These are moments when our calendars are filled family, church, school events, shopping, parties, and the like. It becomes increasingly difficult to take the time to slow down and enjoy a bit of silence.

However, I have found that it is exactly in these busy times when we need moments of quiet the most. I want to encourage you to make quiet time a priority throughout the holiday season. Even Jesus, in the midst of his earthly ministry, took time to be alone. Seriously, do whatever you have to in order to enjoy some quiet time…put it on your calendar…schedule and protect that time. If someone asks you to do something during that time, simply say, “I have a conflict on my calendar.” Whether you block out 5 minutes a day, an hour per week, or an entire day, find a way to enjoy some silence…to sit quietly…to listen…to reflect…to be alone with all distractions removed…and let your spirit be refreshed, restored, and renewed.

“Be still, and know that I am God!” ~ Psalm 46:10

“Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go ahead to the other side of the lake while he dismissed the crowds. When he sent them away, he went up onto a mountain by himself to pray. Evening came and he was alone.” ~Matthew 14:22-23

Today, I was doing a bit of reading and “encouragement” seems to have been an underlying theme. As I thought about the idea of encouragement, I began to think about the sources of encouragement in my life.

When I am discouraged, there are certain people who just seem to “show up” and offer their support, their presence, and their words that become a source of encouragement. Whether it’s a timely e-mail, a phone call or a visit from a friend or family member, I have continually found sources of encouragement right when I need it. Sometimes, there are days when someone unknowingly offers a word or caring gesture that makes the biggest difference in the world (you know, one of those, “You don’t know how much that means to me” kind of things).

I also find encouragement through music. There are certain artists who have created incredible music that encourages me…whether it’s through meaningful lyrics or beautiful melodies and harmonies…music has the power to encourage me. When I am down, there are certain records I can play that will lift my spirit…that will change the course of my thinking…my attitude. There is great power in music.

Literature has often been a source of encouragement. Works of fiction and non-fiction…classic pieces…new works…religious…non-religious…blogs…newspapers…journals…It’s amazing how the written words of others can encourage the discouraged. There are certain books I can pick up and just read a few passages and find myself laughing in the midst of the most difficult of circumstances.

My wife is probably the greatest encourager in my life. She knows what to say, what not to say, and how to continually be “for” me. She has stepped in and offered encouragement when I’ve been discouraged by those I look to for encouragement. She goes “all out” in her love for me…and that is deeply encouraging.

After taking some time to think about my sources of encouragement, I began to consider if I am doing my part to encourage others…Am I offering encouraging words to others? Do I reach out through e-mail and phone calls to offer just a bit of encouragement? Do I take the time to encourage someone through the simple act of listening…of being available? Am I someone’s encourager?

In some ways, I think I probably offer some encouragement. But, I know that I have a lot of work to do. Today, I have come to realize that I need to be intentional about encouraging others…when it’s obvious they need encouragement…but, maybe more importantly…at times when it’s not so obvious.

I have two questions:

1. Where do you find encouragement?

2. How do you offer encouragement?

“So continue encouraging each other and building each other up, just like you are doing already.” ~ I Thessalonians 5:11