Lift up. My daughter had her hopes dashed last Tuesday. She showed a piece of work she had spent a lot of time on and was proud of to her art teacher who cut her down saying she would get no marks for it. I saw it as soon as she came home: that look you never want to see on anyone, never mind on your own child. All she needed, all anyone needs, is a little encouragement.

When I think about it, I see people all around me who are in need of a positive word. I get that every Monday through comments on my blog posts, but I would love a physio to say I was moving well. Sadly I’m not but you can only hope!

Can you think of anyone that needs a word of encouragement? Perhaps they have been working without affirmation for years, or somebody who lives alone and needs to be told their new outfit looks great, or a child who didn’t get the results they were hoping for and must know they are so much more than a number, or a pastor who has preached for many years for no thanks.

I can think of many more examples, how about you? And what about you? Who sees and loves you? I know Someone who always has, who has experience of being despised and rejected. You are loved, you are seen, you matter. So much.