Not Often Enough

How often do you encourage, bless, or affirm your siblings or family or even friends? If you're like me, it's not often enough. For my brother's 21st birthday, my mom asked us to write a letter to Walton blessing him and encouraging him. Ok, sounds good, I can do that!

I didn't know what I was going to say or what I wanted to say. But what surprised me the most was how much I would enjoy writing it! I sat down, put the pen to the paper, and it just all came out. I got to tell my 'baby' brother how much I loved him and how proud I was of him. I also got to encourage him and pass on some of my own perspectives that God has blessed me with about life. Then I wrote out a little prayer for him! Life is tough out there for kids these days, especially during this transition into adulthood! I especially prayed for spiritual and physical protection over him! And even for his future wife and children!

When I got done, I went in and said, "We need to do this more often for each other!" I got to put on paper things that I don't get the chance to say to his face the little that I get to see him. You never know what tomorrow holds. Family is so important - and our relationships need constant attention!

I urge you the next time you see a loved one to bless them, encourage them, affirm them! We all need it! And it feels even better to give it! I think I benefited just as much as I hope he did from our letters.

We love you Walton!