Life Thoughts: The Gift of Encouragement

It has been a full year and we are back at the Catalyst Conference in Georgia. Last year I shared my heart and wrote this post about my experience. Though I took away many things, my heart was full of a deep burden and many pensive thoughts about God's love for me and my growth and place in His will for my life. I felt that as I wrote that post and shared so much in my heart; I was a bit hesitant this year in returning to the conference. Not because I didn't feel that I took something away the year before (I took so much), but because I wasn't sure if this year I would feel at the same place in many areas of my life and not really moving forward. I've been in a place where I feel stuck, but it's been purposeful to cause me to focus.

Last year's theme was known and this year's theme is change makers. The line up of speakers has been phenomenal and I've come this year in a much more humble and contrite place that I've just allowed myself to learn and really take all of it in. Full immersion...no holding back. We arrived to the conference this morning weary and very tired from the drive, but definitely I've hidden a deep expectation in my heart. I wrote a list of things down recently that I've wanted to hear God's direct answer to and I knew that if I listened close enough this weekend would reveal many of them. Lately I've found myself saying:  

It's not that there isn't a message or an answer, I'm just not focused enough to listen and hear it.

Since going through the She Reads Truth app and opening my word...sincerely studying it I've had an amazing and extremely tough time with God. I realized how uninterested I've been in reading my bible and how much I've struggled with negative self-talk and constantly being doubtful of everything. My focus has been off and I've missed opportunities, because I can't help but fixate and compare to what others are accomplishing. But it's been an uphill trek to get back to a healthier and sound routine spiritually...and very much needed...

Okay so back to the conference and the theme. Today I spent most of my time talking to companies and collecting the myriad of free things that are available (I.LOVE.FREE). In between the conference I've been able to spend time with one of our church staff and a dear confidant on a one on one level. One thing I've always admired about her is that she is an encourager. No matter what the situation she has a way of encouraging and steering you into a direction that meets your heart's desire and your given purpose. It truly is her gift...but she just isn't any type of encourager. I think the word encourage is often used loosely to only define verbal affirmation or sometimes mindless ways we make people temporarily feel better. That's not what she does - she truly embodies the word encouragement in a physical form. 

This afternoon as we were walking I was amazed how easily she connected to others and made them feel not only important, but truly a vital part of the entire conference experience (even conference staff!). I love free...and I love free t-shirts. So on our way back to our seats, she had stopped by a marketing booth I had liked their t-shirt designs and jokingly shared how I loved their product and if they had any additional t-shirts to share one with me...and you know - they did. The gentleman at the booth shared that he loved my enthusiasm for their company and handed me a shirt. Yes!

Though I was extremely happy at the shirt, I don't want to forget what she told me as we walked away.

People want to connect with YOU. They want to talk to YOU and be a part of your life.

I by nature do not always do well in initiating time with others, it is something I work on daily (even hourly depending)...and I stopped to really take in those words. Simply because it wasn't just that you should connect to receive, but rather the fact that we as people love to connect with one another. There is a gift in sharing who you are not only for the one receiving - but most importantly for you. As I watched her connect with others and help them connect with even me, I found myself desiring to take on more of that quality in my life. Encouraging and connecting in a way that I never have before..in only a way that I can. 

Today was even more special, because I was able to meet a blogger and mommy that I met on Instagram over a year ago! Joleen from Love, Joleen opened her home and I could not have asked for a better time and moment to share. Words cannot express how grateful and comfortable I felt sitting and having coffee with her, just connecting. Even stepping outside of my comfort zone felt safe and wonderful. I've admired Joleen, because she was the first blogger to help me really get on my feet and open opportunities for me. I love and respect her work so much! 

Of course there are a million thoughts in my head, but if anything today I am stringing together this theme of connecting...in many facets and avenues. Life is full of surprises and reasons for me to initiate opportunities that I've hoped to have. Today was just a small glimpse.