Freedomናሙና

Thumbs Up

Some days, do you feel like you need a lift? Do you feel unnoticed? Wouldn’t it be nice to hear the words “good job”? You know you are doing a good job, but no one ever tells you. The Bible says in 1 Thessalonians, “encourage one another and build each other up.”

I have been a kindergarten teacher for ten years. It’s common for the administrator to frequent my classroom for observations. They usually walk in with a laptop or a clipboard, indicating that I am being observed. Once they find a seat in my classroom, they observe all the activities going on between me and my students.

This happened recently. The observation was completely normal until the end. When my administrator completed the observation and was heading toward the door, she turned to me and gave me a thumbs up! The dictionary defines thumbs up as “an indication of satisfaction or approval.” This small hand gesture unlocked a feeling inside of me, one I had been waiting on for a long time. She was saying to me, I like what I see, keep up the good work! She gave me her approval.

As Christians, God calls us to encourage each other. He calls us to pay attention to the people around us and lift them up. Who can you encourage? Is there someone you know who would appreciate your approval? Maybe someone you work with–an employee who is doing a great job, but you rarely tell them? Or someone in your family–your spouse or your kids? It could be the cashier at the local grocery store or your barista at the coffee shop. Is there something you can say to a person that will make them smile? Would giving them a thumbs up completely change their day?

Let's strive to hear God say, Girl, I see you, and I approve! Now, go give someone a thumbs up!

God, I pray for those who are discouraged (including me). Absolute satisfaction and approval are found in You. When life is difficult, remind me to lean into You. You are the ultimate encourager. Help me to encourage others.

For Further Reading: Ecclesiastes 4:9-12; Ephesians 4:29; Colossians 3:12-17