The Right Word at the Right Tme

A quick story- Along time ago in what feels like a galaxy far, far away I went out jogging one day. Well I must have been either really hyped about getting in shape or brain dead, because I had waited until the hottest part of the day to do my run. I use the word "run" here in the loosest terms possible because if you have ever seen me jogging you might have a difficult time characterizing it as a "run". You've heard the story of the tortoise and the hare- think tortoise! Anyway, I was coming to the end of the "run"- and I do not mean by that the end of the course I had laid out in my mind that I would run that day- but I was literally coming to the point in exercise right in between throwing up and passing out when I realized the next little stretch of road was a hill about 100 yards long that at this stage looked like Mount Everest. Sweating, pale, disheartened, cursing my stupidity for heading out at such a hot part of the day- I started up the hill- dying a little bit with every step. About this time- I noticed a guy on a bicycle who had come along beside me- I looked up in time to catch a glimpse of his face and he's smiling- looking like he doesn't have a care in the world. At this point the guy looks straight at me, pumps his fist in the air and says in a strong voice, "Good Hill" Wow- I can not tell you how those simple words said to to me at that moment in time energized me- My step quickened- I went from barely being able to take another step and giving up to a sense of strength and power in the matter of a split second. Because of this stranger's simple encouragement I was able to finish well. Words have power- The right word said in the right way at the right time can make all the difference to the people I come in contact with every day- from the people I know and love to the people I know and don't like so much to complete strangers. Father in Heaven move in me today- prompt me - inspire me - remind me to speak words of life and Love and encouragement to all the people You bring my way. I pray this in the most powerful name of my Lord and Saviour and yes my Good Friend Jesus. Amen