"A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed." (Proverbs 11:25)
At this festive time of year, my clinic has generous patients who bring us wonderful treats. It is a refreshment for our bodies and souls as we consider the care behind the gesture.
One of my favorite definitions of “refresh” is from dictionary.net, which states to refresh is “to relieve or revive after fatigue or depression, to give new strength to; to invigorate; to cool; to improve by new touches.”
It is impactful to know we can refresh others often, not just occasionally. Just as a gift of a special food can be refreshing, so can a smile, a word of encouragement, a coffee on someone’s desk, or a listening ear. You may never know what a co-worker or boss is going through or if someone desperately needs to be refreshed. We may never know the impact we have when we love a co-worker as Christ loves us. We should be consistent in our words and actions to encourage, support, and acknowledge others at work.
We may never know how much our boss needs to be relieved or revived after a busy or challenging time. Refreshment can be found in a kind word or a note that says, “Great job.”
We may never know how depleted a colleague may feel after dealing with a loss and needs strength to get through their day. Refreshment can be found by inviting them for lunch and taking time to be with them.
We may never know how a day to day stress is draining a co-worker. Refreshment can be found in a “new touch,” helping them problem-solve a new way or solution to the pressure.
We can, however, have a heart and outlook that focuses on refreshing others with our words and actions.
We can (and should) refresh others even when we need refreshment. I love the following quote by Elisabeth Elliot:
“Do you often feel like parched ground, unable to produce anything worthwhile? I do. When I am in need of refreshment, it isn’t easy to think of the needs of others. But I have found that if, instead of praying for my own comfort and satisfaction, I ask the Lord to enable me to give to others, an amazing thing often happens – I find my own needs wonderfully met in ways I would never have thought of, both for others, and then, incidentally, for myself.”
Would you say you are someone who “refreshes” others with words or actions? This week, and this Christmas season, look for opportunities to be a source of refreshment to people at work. The Christmas season is joyous but can also be stressful. Do you sense someone at work is very anxious? A kind word or gesture can be the very refreshment they need. Some people may really need this support but may never ask for it. What can you do to make their day a little easier?
"Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up." (Proverbs 12:25)
Bringing This to God in Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for the refreshment You provide us when we spend time with You. Please help us to always respond to opportunities to be refreshment for people we work with. In Jesus’s Name, Amen.
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