How the Simple Act of Encouragement Becomes a Powerful Gift

As we look at our to-do lists, we easily get caught up in all the preparations and sometimes get frustrated or even exasperated when plans fall apart. I’m just healing from a ten-day bout of influenza A. It forced me to stop all activities. I missed being on the NBSI (Network of Biblical Storytellers Int.) Board virtual Christmas recording to our members, the Kiwanis Christmas party, a dinner with dear friends, and an outing with my husband.

Last week, after 3 days of worrying if I had pneumonia, I went to an urgent care center. I had to wait almost 2 hours before seeing the PA. She apologized and said she was working a 16-hour shift because other PAs had called in sick. She was so attentive, informative in a friendly manner, had a great sense of humor, and handled her time with me as if she had just started her day. It humbled me more than I can say to have gratitude in every circumstance.

Here I was feeling a little down, but this PA stopped me from going down that road. One person, a total stranger, can make a difference. It’s not always what someone says, but how they conduct themselves. If this woman could care for sick people all day, coupled with her positivity and uplifting nature, how could I not feel inspired?

Sometimes we want our Christmas to be like a Hallmark movie, with snow that doesn’t seem deep or really cold, a meal fit for a feast, presents somehow beautifully wrapped under the tree, and love in the air. Then, it is our own realities we visit: a distant relative lacks companionship, a loved one lost their job, a friend battles illness, or someone faces divorce. It’s a lot to handle.

But doesn’t Christmas ask us to bring something simple to the manger? I remember when I was a child, my brother and I would listen to “The Littlest Angel” by the McGuire Sisters (does that date me!). Do you recall the song? It’s about a little boy in heaven who only had a box of his meager belongings when he came to heaven, and it was the box the Lord chose to become the brightest star.

So, what helps us to be an encourager, to bring a simple gift forward?  Do we listen to some Christmas music? Think of stories that remind us to be patient and respond with kindness. I received an early Christmas gift amid my illness from the urgent care PA, who showed me how to carry on even in unpleasant circumstances.

So when you’re standing in a long checkout line…
When someone grabs the parking spot you were waiting for…
When you miss seeing everyone at a party because of illness…

Let us reflect on how fortunate we are to stand in line, to buy a gift, to have a car to park, and to have doctors and medicine to help us heal. Let us take these interruptions or trials and turn them into gentle reminders of why we celebrate.
He came to dwell with us.
Love came down.
And we get the chance—even in small and large frustrations—to share that love with others.