Give Yourself a Hand!

Potty training is tough. It's a lot like being on the bomb squad- every second counts. Elisha's getting the hang of it, though. It's a little tough to get him there, but he always gets up excited and ready to wash his hands (AKA. play in the water). Usually I wait for him to get finished, but one time I left him on the potty to go grab something. He finished before I got back, slammed the lid, and let out a loud "Good job!" to himself.

Elisha often completes tasks with a hearty "good job". He has heard these words said to him over and over, and others, like "way to go," "you got it," " that a boy," and " I'm proud of you!" He has heard encouragement enough that he encourages himself if no one else is around! And, he has experienced encouragement enough that he is learning to give it to others; Elisha often congratulates me or his mom with a great big "Good job!"

Encouragement is something that we seem to receive less of as we grow older. Some people scarcely receive praise or encouragement at all in their lives. Maybe others receive encouragement, but are unable to appreciate it. Still others rely completely on the people around them to keep them going. None of these scenarios are ideal or healthy.

The great thing is that encouragement can be a choice. We can choose to be with encouraging people. The company we keep is an important key to staying encouraged. We can choose to be an encouragement to others. Being an encourager is often the best cure for our own discouraging times. And, like Elisha, when no one else is around or seems to know what we are going through, we can encourage ourselves. Don't be afraid to tell yourself "Good job!" You deserve it!

"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." Ephesians 6:10-11.