On Thursday night, I was doing my devotion, and this is a portion of my devotion that really touched me because on Thursday, someone really special to me blessed me in an unexpected way.

By sacrificing our energy on behalf of others, we discover there is a priceless reward for those who devote their lives to God's service. Every word spoken to the sorrowful, every act committed to relieve the opposed, every kindness shown to the brokenhearted will result in blessings, not only to the sufferer, but also to the giver. I love to call this phenomenon "boomerang blessings".

We are refreshed by encouragement when we know others have benefited from out efforts. We are blessed with a warm satisfaction when we allow ourselves to be used in God's service. As He uses us, He transforms our lives in the same way He changed a piece of coal into a diamond. Our tears crystallize into sparkling jewels of blessing that sparkle in the night of despair "like the stars of the morning," shining out in the darkness with the light of God's embracing, sustaining love.

- Barbara Johnson

This phrase: "We are refreshed by encouragement when we know others have benefited from out efforts" really lifted my spirits because it is so true. Like whenever I encourage or do something for someone, I am refreshed by the fact that they have benefited from my efforts.