Encourage Others and LET IT GO - Thought of the day - 3/10/15

Thought of the day - I've struggled with the concept of giving time, emotion, energy, effort, a part of my life, food, money, and so much more to people when they need it and then feeling like it doesn't come back in some way. But then I realize that we don't give to receive, we give because we want to, we give because we want to see others blessed in whichever manner it is you do it. Now I see how regardless of the struggles, I can think of the moment where someone out of the blue said something perfect or did something kind just when I needed it. It's easy sometimes to think of what we don't have or to wonder when something is going to be ok . Just when something seems bleak things happen. I've started to realize that a relationship with god is more than just words, or a custom, but it's a moment by moment relationship. It's difficult to know someone when you don't speak to them and this had been part of my struggle of not understanding so much until I started to understand god's love. (to think he can start to clean the rusty ,weathered barnacles off even my heart). This morning I had a moment where I had started to feel a bitter thought towards a person because I remembered a situation where they cried on the phone with me listening, and talking only when the moment was right. I was patient, understanding, and with every answer, I strived to be the best possible friend I could be, to give them hope. The phone call ended.I haven't heard from that person in over 2 years.. I'm not going to let myself feel frustrated or bitter anymore over these things I cannot control. Instead I prayed for this person and I let the situation go knowing that after seeing an update profile picture of them that they are happier than they were, and have a smile on their face now when before, they had not smiled for a very long time. I was not the miracle worker in their lives but believe that for that one moment. I was there for them as others have been for me. All I wanted was to know they were ok.. I know that there is so much more than getting back in the way we expect it or hope for it. Sometimes it's little things, sometimes it's big things but God does not forget us and he uses the people we know and sometimes those we don't know to show us everything is ok. Don't be discouraged, don't be frustrated or let yourself get bitter. When you have a moment where you feel lonely, call a friend you haven't seen or spoken to in 2 years or the person you keep telling you are going to call but never do. Take a step and see what happens. God is never late, he is always on time, and he has not forgotten you.

1 Thessalonians 5:11-14 ESV
Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all.