Consider Yourself Spurred On

Just after our warm summer morning of pickleball play at my community, we cooled off in the comfort of the huge trees close by. We had several good rounds of competitive play. It felt good to just sit and give kudos to each other for games well played.

I love this community. Most are patient, kind and tolerable to each other in whatever we’re doing. For those who never played any kind of racket or paddle ball, the proficient pickleball players are forgiving when having to slow their game for them.

Some players have the tendency to be emphatic with calling “inside” ball – out and an “outside” ball in – even if they’re on the other side of the court. It can get controversial for those who believe “winning-is-everything”. Sometimes we remind each other “this is just a game and not a life-or-death matter”. Of course, there’s that inbred competitive nature of winning we all have. But we remind ourselves if we are people of character, kindness, and mutual respect, we don’t always have to win! We came up with best practices – like if there’s a controversary – play the ball again. Simple resolutions to keep the peace.

Yesterday morning, one of my neighbors showed up when I was getting coffee in our common area. Immediately, our conversation was about encouragement. Giving “way to go” comments to each other; “God showed up for that, didn’t He?”; “I’ve been noticing how hard you’re working at that!”

Then there was the woman talking to another woman in the hallway. I walked up and they drew me into their conversation. One woman was feeling alone and afraid. The other woman was encouraging her. Of course, I put in my two cents worth when the “alone and afraid” woman said she didn’t think God cared. My response: “So you’re walking down the hallway with these feelings and Mary (name changed to protect the innocent) runs into you and is telling you God loves and cares for you. Then, I just happen to show up and am encouraging you. I would say God really, really loves you to have two of His daughters to show up for you!”

This blog is, of course, about encouraging and supporting each other. The “icing on the cake” for me came when I read the “encouragement” to me from a friend as a comment to my blog yesterday. God used him to “spur me on”. And God is doing that through me to you today! “Carry on good and faithful servants!”

I pay these words forward from my friend to you today! I’m spurring you on! ” Amazing! Your words are so encouraging and well said! “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds….” (Hebrews 10:24) I consider myself spurred. Thank you.”
Need some ideas for “spurring each other on”? Here you go:

** Send an “encouraging” text, e-mail or make a phone call to a friend or loved one.
** Leave an uplifting sticky note for someone |
** Speak life-giving, positive, uplifting words
** Tell someone how they inspired you
** Let someone know you are praying for them.
** Give a sincere compliment
** Remind someone of who they are in Christ
** Write a kind comment on a blogger’s blog (like my friend)
** Tell the janitor/housekeeper or maintenance worker that you appreciate them
** Be kind
** Give a high five – congratulate someone on a job well done
** Smile while telling someone “Have a great and/or blessed day”!
** Tell a family member you are proud of them

Now, consider yourself spurred on!