1 Thessalonians 5:11

Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.

We constantly find ourselves surrounded by people who need a “pick me up.” People are heart-broken, lost, or disadvantaged in many ways which we are given an opportunity to lift up. I can safely say we are “blessed with the opportunity to help.” We can do this “lifting up” by word or by deed because of the opportunity or position by which we are blessed with by God. I cannot help to recall the viral video of PGA star Gary Woodland allowing Amy Bockerstette, who has Down Syndrome, play the 16th hole at the Waste Management Open with him during a practice round a few weeks ago. If you don’t know the story, it is worth your time to watch the video. Gary, not only gave Amy the chance to play the hole with him, but constantly told her how she is “awesome” and gave her many high-fives of encouragement. Many times these opportunities are given to celebrities or sponsors connected to the tournament. Needless to say, these individuals savor the moment but the excitement fades away because he or she is accustomed to the limelight in their usual vocation.

Maybe not the extent on a big stage with thousands of people watching, but how many opportunities are we given to edify someone and give them an “Amy” moment? This gesture could be accomplished by stopping what we are doing for a moment to allow our child bend a nail or three, paint an uneven streak on the wall, or make that birdie putt for us when we hit it to three feet. We will never know the impact such an act of kindness will do for the confidence in the life of the person. When we get out of the moment for a moment, the edifying of our brother or sister will almost make you feel selfish because you will sense as if you gained more from it than the individual who was lifted up. These are the moments we remember for the entirety of our lives! My prayer for today is for God to grant us those opportunities to edify someone and give us the ability to recognize these chances. In turn, we must thank Him for the ability and position to help!