Stand Up and Applaud

“Celebrate always, pray constantly, and give thanks to God no matter what circumstances you find yourself in.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

I read a devotional the other day entitled “The best marriage advice I ever received.” (You should definitely go read it). It spoke about a young woman about to get married. The soon to be bride asked her mentor what the best advice she could give her about marriage. The mentor replied with a simple answer: “Be your husband’s greatest fan.”

This got me thinking about more than just my marriage; but about all my relationships. I mean, doesn’t this relate to everyone that we hold dear to us? Of course our significant other, but also our parents, our sisters/brothers, even our closest friends? Shouldn’t we be the biggest fans of all of these people? I recently had felt let down by the expectations I had put on a long term friendship that seemed to be going downhill. But after dwelling on this advice was I really being that person’s cheerleader? Had I supported all the things that they were doing? Was I making a big enough effort to encourage and applaud them?

So today I want to take a minute to cheer on the people I hold so close to my heart. First off, my husband. The love of my life. I could not do this life without you! You are my rock. You are always working so hard, providing for our family and truly being the best dad and husband a wife could ever dream of. I also want to boastfully cheer & applaude my mom and dad who recently celebrated their 42nd wedding anniversary! Isn’t that amazing?!? Congratulations mom and dad! I also want to hoop and holler for all my sisters, who are also my best friends, who just make life better with their presence. A shoutout to my closest friends (you know who you are and for privacy purposes I will not name you) on all your recent successes. Also, thank you to everyone who has been supporting & loving me on this journey of life.

Who do you need to cheer on today? Is there someone in your life you need to call up and say “job well done!?” When was the last time you literally applauded someone (that wasn’t on a stage performing)? Try it. “Find something to celebrate every day, then stand on a chair and cheer out loud..” -Alicia Bruxvoort from Proverbs 31 Ministries