This story has been reprinted from a website for Lighthouse Chrisian Writers. Joyce Heiser has a marvelous ability to shere her thoughts and feelings in her stories. 

Title:  Encouraging Words
Author:  Joyce Heiser

"Call unto me and I will answer thee…" Jeremiah 33:3 (KJV)

Three weeks had passed since my mom had gone to heaven. The numbness and shock were beginning to wear off. I was so lonely for her that particular day. Many things reminded me of her, and I’d told yet another person about her homegoing.

From habit, I lifted my heart in prayer and asked the Lord for encouragement…something to help ease my hurting heart.

Later in the day when I saw the yellow ball on my mailbox up signaling mail arrival, I hurried out. As I flipped through the stack of mail, I spied a red envelope with an out-of-state return address. I immediately ripped it open. The first paragraph identified the writer as a hospice volunteer who regularly visited Mom. I let the healing tears flow as I drank in the words that described some of their activities together and Mom’s impact on her life.

I immediately thanked the Lord for prompting this woman to put pen to paper, so her words would arrive…just when I needed them.

Many times we think of encouraging someone by sending a card, note, or even e-mail, but we put it off until later. Sometimes later never comes. Is there someone you should encourage today?

Prayer: Thank you, Father, that our steps are ordered by You, including encouraging words to others.