Cheers to Peers

 by Macy Johnson

“Therefore encourage one another

and build each other up,

just as in fact you are doing.”

(1 Thessalonians 5:11 NIV)

 

The hospital auxiliary board meeting was moving along through items of interest, old and new. As the Gift Galley manager, I reported the results of the past quarter and answered questions posed. A new volunteer had recently offered to help me with buyer duties and I sang her praises. The president asked if I would like to honor her at the upcoming quarterly general meeting of the auxiliary. I said I would.

 

I decided to honor another volunteer, also. She had been with the auxiliary from its inception and was a valuable source of information. She knew everything about our gift shop and always gave spot-on suggestions. Her knack for displaying items for sale was impeccable, and she knew where everything was stored.

 

I gave a presentation at the general meeting about the assistance of both of these ladies, without whom I would be lost and frazzled. I thanked God for sending new friends and colleagues to help me serve more effectively in His kingdom.

 

Neither honoree attended the meeting, so the president informed them of their awards via email. Sometimes it is better to be honored in secret, not expecting or wanting any praise.

 

This was a learning opportunity for me. It nudged me to look for ways to encourage others in their service and ignore my own. The Apostle Paul instructed the church at Thessalonica to do just that. I need to seek out others to help and encourage. I am thankful God has put me in positions to serve and be served in awesome ways.

 

I will look for opportunities to lift others up to my heavenly Father as they minister with me in His kingdom. I hope you will, too!