I love it when something “clicks” in my parenting journey. I love it when there’s a connection point for me or my kids, or both if we’re really lucky. As a mom I’m constantly devouring anything I can in regards to parenting. Books, blogs, magazine articles, absolutely anything. Sometimes I wonder how I can take in so much great information and still be such a klutz when it comes to applying it. But when those “connection moments” happen, it can be pretty powerful.

My adorable strong-willed middle child has taught me more about myself than I sometimes care to admit. I spent the first several years of his life thinking we were nothing alike. At some point along the way it hit me that actually we were a whole lot more alike than I’d first been willing to admit. And at this point in our relationship I think it’s safe to say that at times it’s like looking in the mirror. Stubborn is the word that I use to describe my son but when referring to myself it somehow translates into “passionate.” Sounds better, don’t you think?

The two of us have embarked on a journey together that has taught me to celebrate the little things. Small victories. Baby steps people! And so I have spent the last few months specifically praying for divine wisdom in understanding and relating to my son Levi. And true to form, God has been giving me glimpses into my son’s heart.

I’ve discovered that my son really thrives when I speak out encouraging words to him or about him. If you’ve read the book The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman, then you’re probably already guessing that my son’s love language is words of affirmation. And, you would be right. But God has really helped me go even deeper to realize the impact that other people’s words have on my son. I’ve been slowly realizing this but something happened last week that just brought it all home for me again.

A friend of mine wrote me a sweet note. In it she basically explained how she had seen Levi firsthand be kind and understanding to her son in the midst of an agitating situation. The letter wasn’t real long. She basically just shared what she had seen transpire and then said this simple statement. “Levi is a gem of a kid.” And I have to tell you, I was holding back the tears. It encouraged me so much! That simple note said so much more than the words in it. It was like God was speaking through the letter reminding me that my prayers and my tears and my heartache have not gone unnoticed. He reminded me again that we are all in our own stage of growth and that He is still in the process of writing our story. Levi’s story. My story. Our family story. He’s not done yet…He’s still writing.

I don’t think I had finished reading the letter for more than 30 seconds when I had a thought pop in my head. I decided I would read it to Levi in the morning. Sure, I wanted him to know that I was proud of him, but I had also begun to see the significance of other people’s encouraging words.  The next morning it just so happened that my two other children were sick and sleeping in so it was just Levi & I getting ready for school. He had on his favorite football robe, his Star Wars blanket all wrapped up tight around his neck and his hair was disheveled.  I grabbed a chair, pulled it up next to him and told him I wanted to read him a letter that a friend of mine had sent. He listened intently, his face beaming with pride and his mouth turned up at both ends into the widest smile he could muster. About halfway through the letter I noticed tears starting to stream down his rosy little cheeks. By the end of the letter we were both crying.

I was so moved by his reaction to it. And then he looked up at me with his big beautiful eyes and his tear-stained face and said this: “Mom, I know you love me. And I know you’re proud of me. But it’s really great to know that somebody else feels that way about me too.”

It took my breath away. The honesty in that moment. The way he was able to understand what he was feeling and then explain it to me in simple words. That, in and of itself, was something for us to celebrate.

So tonight I am thankful for a friend who took the time to write a kind word. Thankful for the progress my little man has made in his relationships. And even more than that, I am thankful for a God who as amazingly complex as He is…. is also sweetly simple.

“If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you.” James 1:5

So whether you’re in a difficult situation or a tough season of life right now, I want to encourage you to keep praying. And be specific too.  Ask for the wisdom we so desperately need and he so desires to give us. I truly believe that because I had been praying and asking God for wisdom and understanding with Levi that God dropped the idea of sharing the note with him into my heart. We were able to share a beautiful moment together that bonded our hearts together. And you mamas know that it’s those “beautiful” little moments that get us through the larger and more frequent “ugly” ones.

I don’t think it was a coincidence that it was just the two of us in the kitchen that morning.  God’s hand is in the tiny little details. We just have to be watching for them. Sometimes they are so little they are easy to overlook.

There is something supernatural that happens when encouragement is taking place. God can do a deep work in those little moments of life. I think of how a friend who took a moment to write a sweet note was able to not only encourage this mama’s heart but also the heart of her son. I bet she had no idea.

Romans 14:19 says, “So let’s agree to use all our energy in getting along with each other. Help others with encouraging words…” 

Acts 20:2 says, “Traveling through the country, passing from one gathering to another, he gave constant encouragement, lifting their spirits and charging them with fresh hope.”

So what sweet little word of encouragement is God whispering to your heart today? Who will you share it with? You never know the power those words may carry.