Believe in Me

          Today my oldest daughter and her husband celebrate their 24th wedding anniversary.  I loved watching Meredith when she and Mike were dating.  The power of Mike's love and encouragement in her life was transforming.  They have forged a joy and unity over their years together that is inspiring.
          Encouragement is a magical thing.  Seeing ourselves through the eyes of someone who expresses belief in us--not as a manipulative tactic of flattery, but as a sincere appreciation validating our worth or capabilities or talents--is empowering.
          As I watched Meredith 24+years ago blossom in the glow of Mike's admiration for all that she was and is, I wrote these lyrics that became a part of their wedding ceremony:





         

Your love has transformed  me,

 filled and warmed me,

and made be much more than I am.

Your faith has lifted me,

inspired and gifted me,

and made me do much more than I can.

If you can believe in me--

look, and can see in me the dreams--

all of those dreams I thought had died--

I'll look through your eyes at me

in wonder, surprised to see

that all, all of those dreams

 come back to life.

 

          Happy anniversary Mike and Meredith!  And heaps of gratitude to all of you who are gifted encouragers!  How desperately the world needs you!

 

"...encourage one another daily...."  Hebrews 3:13