Refreshing Encouragement

When something good happens in another’s life, it is natural to celebrate and be happy with and for that person.

That is encouragement.

When someone is striving to conquer a challenge, we find ourselves offering up motivational words to assist that individual in accomplishing a personal goal.

That’s encouragement.

When another is in a place of hardship or great sadness, we support through listening and loving.

And… that is also encouragement.

Recently my family has been going through one of those “trials” that we all would like to avoid. Difficult. Draining. Depressing.

So… I did like the contestants do on Who Wants to be a Millionaire. I phoned a friend.

She didn’t advise. She didn’t judge. She didn’t “spiritualize”.

She listened.  She made me laugh. She empathized.

My friend’s encouraging response didn’t change my situation. But… it did change me. I felt loved, supported, hopeful. I was energized.

And as it says in Proverbs 27:9 points out…a sweet friendship truly does refresh the soul.

What friendship refreshes your soul?