9 Ways to Put “Spring” in A Sagging Spirit

I’m ready for Spring! How about you?

Let's give our sagging spirits a sunny lift!

1.     Do something nice for yourself… without feeling selfish. Relax in a bubble bath, don your kitchen table with fresh flowers, enjoy lunch with a friend. Anyone like chocolate?  Check out dark chocolate’s sweet benefits: http://www.everydayhealth.com/info/v1t01/benefits-of-dark-chocolate?Msid=|sCV7czmSX|&gclid=COD_hf3gsLwCFWIV7AodggwA5Q&xid=g_dlp-

                  If you love yourself well, you’ll love others, well. (Mark 12:31)

2.      Exercise. Regardless of age or fitness level, studies show that exercise provides serious mental benefits. For one, it releases endorphins, which create feelings of happiness and euphoria.  My husband and I squeeze water aerobics, (H2Obics) into our busy schedule. Our productivity and energy level has increased!  Read “13 Mental Health Benefits of Exercise” http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/03/27/mental-health-benefits-exercise_n_2956099.html

3.     Encouragement For me, giving gifts wakes me up inside, like watching heart-warming Frank Capra movies. A text message, an email, or a card can be a gift…every single word. If you weren’t born with the gift of encouragement, the great Encourager says He will give you His words to sustain those around you. (Isaiah 50:4)

Even rich and famous people experience pleasure, giving encouragement. Super bowl quarterback, Russell Wilson, frequents hospitals, encouraging patients. He tells the hospital staff, “Give me the person in the worst condition.”

First thing in the morning, ask Jesus, “Who may need encouragement?”

Keys to a Richer, Happier Life

 “Hey, Pamela. Let’s get together and catch up!”

I highly underestimated the significance of Margaret’s invitation. I expected simple small talk, while enjoying my favorite “fuji apple chicken salad” at Panera. Fortunately, Margaret had much more in mind.  

She leaned across the table, probing my soul with pointed questions. Margaret listens well, and then digs deep. It’s her caring way of re-entering my world.  

“How are things really going… with you…family…ministry?”

Margaret looks beyond what she hears. This 5 foot seasoned missionary detected a thread of discouragement in my neatly packaged answers. So she drilled deeper. Finally we discovered its source. Dreams God designed for my life had gotten buried beneath daily, essential duties. 

Margaret exhorted me, “Don’t hide your faith and talents! Use them for God’s glory!” Her heartfelt counsel, danced with encouragement and passion. Margaret has credibility. Twenty-two years of living life the way God designed for her, trusting Him for finances, transportation, health care and more, and never lacking!  

I left the restaurant, optimistic and joy-filled. Margaret’s encouragement inspired me to tread a pathway to a richer, happier life.  To intentionally pursue the dreams God stamped on my heart.