A Little Note

One of my favorite parts of what I do is going into the schools. We have a Bible study called First Priority that meets at the high school, and at our three junior highs at Lockhart, Sims, and Jonesville.

There are hundreds 6th-8th graders that pack out Sims every Wednesday morning, and some days it can be difficult to keep the crowd quiet. I’ll be the first to admit that the majority of these students are not there because of their love for Jesus or their desire to hear the message, but we always believe that we are helping to make a difference.

Last Wednesday, due to other circumstances, I was the only pastor at Sims. The room quickly got out of control, and I was even mocked by a few students. In my frustration I later told my wife that I wasn’t going back to Sims.

That night at church a lady handed me a hand written note from one of her students who goes to Sims. The note was very simple, thanking me for visiting each week and teaching her the Bible. Aside from making me cry, the note reminded me that no matter how difficult it might be to deal with the masses, there is a room full of individuals that are eager to hear God’s Word.

So who is the person in your life in need of a note? Is there a school teacher, pastor, parent, friend, mentor, boss, coach, neighbor, relative, soldier, or any other person that you can say thanks to? It takes very little time, and the impact can last far beyond the occasion. Don’t be the king of good intentions; stop thinking about writing that note or making that call and just do it.

The person you thank might just be encouraged to continue on in some work that they otherwise may have abandoned. You never know, you might be the Barnabas to encourage Paul when he needed it the most. In my opinion, Barnabas was as important in the ministry as Paul was, and when you pass on encouragement you are sharing in that person’s ministry.

So to all you encouragers out there, Keep it up!