INFLATABLES

PRACTICE: Intentionally seek an opportunity to boost another’s self- esteem.

I don’t know about your neighborhood, in mine, the inflatables have taken over as an expression of Christmas decoration. Some are inflated at dusk and turned off in a few hours. Others are inflated dusk to dawn. In either case, the sources that provide the air to keep them inflated is turned off at some point. The air being pumped into the thin sheath nylon vision of Santa and his reindeer, brings them to life. They dance ever so lightly in the evening breeze and their lights shine ever so brightly. Every owner knows that a strong wind will blow them over. And every owner knows when the power is shut off, they collapse to the ground. They become a lifeless flat pile of colored fabric, void of shape or definition…only recognizable as an inflatable to those who know inflatables or have seen them floating previously.

Where am I headed now that I have planted this vision in your head? Use your imagination! Here’s where I landed!

I have had/have people in my world who I would describe as an inflatable. When the circumstances are just right, they blow and glow in the slight gentle breeze of life. My experience with them has been a good teacher. I know if I or others are there to heap on praise and accolades, to cajole and to encourage, they will shine and glow. I also know that as soon as a challenge comes along, they will be blown off course. I also know that when the praise and encouragement is gone, self-doubt rears its ugly head and deflation is inevitable. Did I say I know people like this? I just looked in the mirror and saw myself. Maybe you looked and saw you.

What I have learned for myself is to harness the power within to keep me inflated. The lesson was not learned in isolation. Others helped me along the way. My task is to pay forward the lesson learned and to be the other in someone else’s life.

2 Cor 1:3-4

PONDER THIS THOUGHT---Self encouragement is the first step toward being able to encourage others.