The Encouragers

July 15, 2020 /

“Encouragers: “Impart courage, inspire us to take the next step, and not give up.“

The Free Dictionary.com

March shivered into April, jolted into May, spiked into June before crashing into July. Four long months of dizzying uncertainty. Yet, in the midst of all this change, a simplified life routine has emerged. Driving the same streets everyday, shopping at one grocery store, and spending time outside in the yard have provided opportunities for closer inspection of all that surrounds me.

My schedule consists of working weekdays and taking long walks on weekends. As a Canine Rehab Practitioner, I am considered an essential worker, and I am honored to care for the animals coming in to the veterinary hospital. With the move to curbside arrival, they come in alone now. All sizes, shapes, species and breeds under the same roof. Fluffy fur and smooth coats. Long hair and short hair.

Some are happy and excited about the adventure! Tugging on the leash, bounding in the door, they cannot wait to greet all their people inside. Tails wag and cold, wet noses press into our hands. Warm, sloppy kisses cover our faces and necks! Others are nervous and timid, lowering their heads and tucking their tails. Quiet voices and slow movements are calming. Their faces and eyes tell all. Soon they relax and welcome the focused attention. All are trusting us to protect and provide for their wellbeing.

The people and the animals….working it out.

Weekends allow for walks through the surrounding neighborhoods. Avoiding the busy greenways, I put on my shoes and head out the door. Streets are quieter now. I no longer walk past the trees and plants, I walk among them. Their energetic vibrations and silent conversations fill the air. This year, the colors are vibrant and the foliage denser than I recall. There are tall pines standing next to white and red oaks. There are flowers, shrubs and various ground covers weaving a pattern in the rich soil. Within the 3- mile radius of my walk, many plant and tree species coexist. Some are indigenous to the region and some have been transported across geographic boundaries. Resources are shared and cooperation abounds. There are stories to tell and their “faces” are many.

The native and exotic plants and trees…working it out.

The plants and animals are our “encouragers.” They teach us about resilience and fortitude. They ask us to be careful stewards of the environment and one another. In this time of many critical social issues, they want us to work it out.

We invite you to comment and share the “encouragers” you have in your life!

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10 Comments

  • Jane Motsinger

    July 30, 2020 at 5:02 pm

    We have an impromptu garden of sunflowers that has sprung up under and around our bird feeders.
    Nothing encourages me as much as looking into the smiling face of a sunflower, as it orients itself toward the morning sun. The sunflowers remind me to stay oriented toward God’s love and light, and when i remember to do that, my day is invariably brighter.
    Thank you so much for orienting us toward the encouragers!

    • admin

      July 31, 2020 at 12:15 pm

      Hello Jane,

      Thank you for your heartwarming story of the sunny sunflower! There is much love, light and gratitude around us. We appreciate your sharing!

  • Karen Jones

    July 23, 2020 at 3:12 pm

    I also thank you Kathy, for reminding me of the transformative power found in a single word of encouragement. I will make a daily effort to be one that genuinely encourages another!

    • admin

      July 23, 2020 at 10:57 pm

      Hi Karen,
      Thank you for your comment! Yes, the more we can encourage one another, the more we elevate the beauty of our experience together!

  • Suzanne

    July 20, 2020 at 11:30 pm

    Thank you for sharing your encouragers. It’s nice to have nature and our animal friends remind us to be thankful for helping us navigate this new world.

  • Maureen Ryan Griffin

    July 17, 2020 at 4:44 pm

    Thank you, Kathy, for writing, not just about encouragers, but also about peaceful, compassionate cohabitation between species, among those who are different from oneself. So hopeful, peace-producing, wise, and uplifting.

    Lucky us, who have you in our lives! 🙂 <3