Dallas County Living Well Magazine March/April 2018 | Page 20

When the Encourager
L
ife has so many ups and downs, peaks and valleys.
Even when you’re on the mountaintop the unstable,
unpredictable nature of our world is enough to drag
you down. But maybe, like me, you’re a glass half full
gal or guy. When others are discouraged, you know
how to bring the cheer. And if you’re the glass half empty
guy, you are familiar with these wildly optimistic, cheerful
types. The ones prancing around their full glass, trying to
show you the positive side of life. Yes, these are the ones
you don’t want to see before your morning cup of coffee.
But I have a little secret to share. Even the encouragers
have their day. It comes with prolonged periods of struggle
or suffering, and hope deferred makes your heart sick. It
comes from a dark night of the soul that visits each and
everyone one of us. So what happens when the encourager
needs encouragement?
Here are a few practical things I’ve learned through the
years about pulling out of a time of discouragement. This
is not an exhaustive list, but some of the bigger keys to
breakthrough.
Let’s face it; there are seasons in life similar to the four
seasons in the natural. We can endure winter seasons with
faith, perseverance, even joy and come out with greater
gain, strength of character and victory. On the other hand,
if we don’t recognize the season we’re in, we can grow