Share Four Somethings: March 2022

Happy spring! I am a lover of winter, but even I have my limits. Here’s to daffodils and peony shoots and birds chirping loudly in the morning.

My college girl and I were busy thrifting and running errands and visiting an art gallery and French pastry shop last week, so I didn’t have much time to come up with the usual Four Somethings for this monthly linkup.

Fortunately, I’m OK with veering off the beaten path every so often. My most recent post—about praising God, come what may—got me thinking about other things that lift my spirits, so I decided to dwell on that a little longer.

This month, instead of focusing on Something Loved, Gleaned, Braved and Achieved, I’m sharing Four Somethings that encourage my heart. Starting with …

• Smiles

I’ve always enjoyed exchanging smiles with people I see, including strangers. (I probably got this from my extroverted mom, whose smile was a mile wide and always on the ready.)

Masks made this more difficult for a while. Now, though, I think this type of interaction is even more meaningful. It actually makes me feel better to smile at people and have them smile back. And it doesn’t cost a thing, which is always a plus these days.

• Looking back

When we’re in the heat of the battle, the dense fog of uncertainty or the drudgery of the wilderness, it can be difficult to see God’s hand at work in our lives. It’s not until the battle subsides or the fog lifts that we’re able to glance behind us and see what was really going on.

It doesn’t happen every time, of course, but my heart is encouraged when I can look back and catch a glimpse of what God might have been up to when He allowed things to happen the way they did.

• True love

The other day, one of the hosts of a podcast I was listening to was talking about what love looks like. As he quoted 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a in his slow Louisiana drawl, I stopped what I was doing and felt myself relax.

Loving others—in our daily lives as well as on social media—isn’t always easy. But it encourages my heart to think that, as God gives us strength, each one of us can decide to conduct ourselves in this gracious way:

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.” (NIV)

• Real-life conversations

I greatly appreciate authentic online interaction, but few things encourage my heart as much as real-life conversations. Sometimes they’re accidental, like when I run into an old friend at the grocery store and we spend several minutes catching up in the poultry department.

Then there are more intentional interactions like coffee dates and scheduled phone chats with friends. Whether we’re talking about books, loss, our children or our favorite thrift stores, these verbal conversations are lifegiving and uplifting, especially when doused throughout with laughter.

• • • 

Speaking of conversation, now it’s your turn. What is encouraging you these days? Or, if you prefer, stick to the usual four somethings and share something loved, gleaned, braved or achieved. I’ll try to return to the regular format next month (though, as always, I’m holding those plans loosely).

♥ Lois

P.S. I’m linking up this week with Share Four Somethings, #tellhisstory, InstaEncouragements, Recharge Wednesday, Let’s Have Coffee and Grace & Truth

Photos by Lilly Flowers