Encouragement From A Stranger

Whenever I take the kids out and about, we’re a bit of a spectacle. People see that we have three kids under two, and they usually have some sort of typical reaction about how busy we must be. Which is totally fine. I appreciate people willing to acknowledge how crazy it is! But this week I’ve gotten some uniquely intentional comments that God specifically used to encourage me!

We were at Target, and a lady walked up to me and saw my cart full of kids and said, “You are SO lucky!” And she sincerely meant it.

We were on a walk to the park and someone said, “You are blessed.” And gave me a big smile.

We were walking into the YMCA and an older gentlemen parked next to me who proceeded to tell me that he happened to have seven kids, his youngest two who are identical twin girls. Our conversation was filled with him sharing how much fun it was to raise them.

Yesterday morning we were leaving Baylen’s swimming lessons, which are their own sort of crazy because he has no interest in what the teacher has to say! I’m totally that mom who has the kid who kicks and screams through the whole class. Anyway, we were just about to the car when random lady who I never before had seen stopped me and told me what a good job I was doing as a mom. It brought tears to my eyes.

God can use the words of a stranger to bless our days! After being encouraged by so many of them this week, it challenges me to be more intentional when I’m out and about. It’s easy for me to keep my head down and focused on what I’m doing. But I think as Christians especially, we’re called to more. God wants us to seize every opportunity to share his joy with the world, which could be in the simple form of smiling and saying a quick sentence to lift someone’s day who looks like they might need it.

Are you willing to encourage a stranger this weekend? Let’s look for people when we’re out and about to intentionally encourage. It might be a little uncomfortable. And it will probably catch them off guard a bit. That’s okay! We all need a pick me up from time to time!

Happy Saturday!

Amber

P.S. For more reflections on parenthood and life, follow us on Facebook (Hun Let’s Run) and on Instagram: @ambermariekuiper and @jakekuiper! We’d also love for you to subscribe to our Hun, Let’s Run Podcast! For more info about joining our fitness community as a customer or coach, please email us at amber@mommysmetime.com!