We all need encouraging

In today’s rush it is very easy to take things for granted. There becomes an expectation that people ought to do things because it is their job to do so and woe betide those who don’t meet those expectations.
We are also told by psychologists and socoiologists that there are a significant number of people who suffer from low self-esteem and self-worth. They can then often become anti-social because they have no appreciation of their own achievements. How to square this circle is a big challenge.
A small contribution can be to appreciate what others do. A word of appreciation and encouragement will ensure that the task is repeated and even improved. It is easy to become dispirited if we are taken for granted!
Barnabas was a companion of St Paul on his journeys around the Mediterranean and we are told that he lived up to the meaning of his name – The Son of Encouragement. He encouraged Paul. He also encouraged the early followers of Jesus as they faced persecution for their faith. On 11th June the church recognises Barnabas - can you use this occasion to encourage somebody and help them identify the gifts they have been given by God.