National Day of Encouragement? How did I miss this? I knew nothing about this holiday until one of my friends told me about it after church today. Apparently this special day has been celebrated since 2007, thanks to some high school students who came up with the idea as a way to resolve the biggest problem facing young people today: a lack of encouragement. Two years later, the U.S. Senate agreed to a resolution designating September 12 as “National Day of Encouragement.”
The dayofencouragement.org website says that this day “is dedicated to uplifting those around us and making a positive impact” — much like American citizens did on the day after the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
I found out about National Day of Encouragement a day late — on September 13. But I have to say that I really didn’t miss out on anything, because I was encouraged greatly by gathering with our church family today!
It was our biggest turnout since our building reopened for public worship on July 12.
We celebrated the Lord’s Supper for the first time in months.
We sang “The Wonderful Cross” along with other hymns and songs of praise.
We prayed together and heard God’s Word proclaimed.
Specifically, we were reminded from Scripture that our God is infinitely powerful, extremely merciful, and always faithful.
Yes, September 13 was definitely my Day of Encouragement.
Nobody understands the value of encouragement more than God himself, for he has said, “encourage each other every day” (Heb. 3:13). I thank God for how his people — our church family — encouraged me today!