The Path of Encouragement

 

As you continue your journey through Lent, imagine the following dialogue.

 You have found that the path you are on has had a relatively easy incline, but in the near distance it appears to be more challenging.  Carefully, you begin choosing which rock to plant your foot, so as not to loose your balance.  You also begin to use your hands against the larger formations to support your climb.  At one point you stop to discern the next path.  

  You look around for an easier way, but hear a voice call out to you. "Keep coming. You got this.  Here, grab my hand."  You can not see a face connected with the voice, only a hand. It is a woman's hand and a woman's voice, and neither seem impressively strong. "Take my hand.  I can help you."

  Reluctantly you grab the woman's hand and are surprised how helpful she actually is. She points out where to place your feet as you continue to climb.  When you reach the top of this particular hill, you take a moment to catch your breath and then say, "Thank you." As you look at the woman you realize you have no idea who she is.  "So, do you always stand on this path helping strangers?"

  She laughs.  "No. I'm not always in this particular spot, but I do try to help those who need it. I didn't want you to get discouraged when you had come so far. Sometimes people stay in the same place for a long time because no one encourages them to keep going."

  "Well thank you, again.  Your help was very much appreciated.  Knowing exactly where to put my foot next was very helpful."

  "Well the Lord told me you would be coming this way and you may need some encouraging," she said with a smile.

  "The Lord knows me pretty well."

  "He definitely does. He wants you to keep going.  It's all part of His Plan. I have a message for you."

   "You do?  What is it?" you ask.

   "Look down the path over there.  You see those people?  They have their own struggles, but it would help if you could encourage them to keep going.  Pray to the Holy Spirit.  He will inspire you with the right words."

  "Why would they listen to me?"

  "Because you will be the face of Jesus to them. You will be His hands and feet.  What we do for others along the path is never forgotten even if it is the smallest of gestures.  It is something I learned long ago when the Lord, himself, was walking the path the Father had set before him.  By the way, my name is Veronica, and I can't help but see the face of the Lord in everyone I help. It is a special blessing.  The Lord is very generous with His blessings.  Take some time to think about it. The Lord is very interested in you, and also the number of people you encourage along your own path."

  "How will I know what they need?" you ask.

  Veronica smiles and says, "Trust the Holy Spirit and ask for guidance."

  You turn your gaze to those people in need.  When you turn to look at Veronica, you realize she is no longer with you. You take a deep breath in, close your eyes, and look inward as you begin your prayer to the Holy Spirit, "In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen." 

-Susan