Ok, it isn’t the hoity-toity Nobel Peace Prize but it is a Nobel prize nonetheless.

When I opened the mailbox today there was only one piece of mail inside. I immediately thought that the oversized, cream-colored envelope labeled from the National Society of High School Scholars was just some Who’s Who invitation or something else that would cost me money. I almost threw it away but I opened it to find this message from Claes Nobel inside:

I am writing to you today to recognize your role in encouraging young people and helping them to achieve their goals.

Recently, one of your students requested a note of appreciation be sent to honor your efforts. Your student named you as a role model and positive influence, someone who has made a difference- in short, a great teacher. I am delighted to name you a Claes Nobel Educator of Distinction.

We hope that through this letter and certificate, begun by the nomination from your student, we can help make visable the work that you do each day.

Kind regards,
Claes Nobel

The enclosed certificate is pretty awesome too.

I’m a not writing this post in order to toot my own horn. I am humbled and honored that one of my students took time out of his busy day to nominate me for this certificate. It means so, so much to me. I am completely honored and overwhelmed.

This past year was one of the roughest and most emotionally draining years I’ve had since junior high. There was a time not too long ago that I found myself questioning my calling into ministry everyday. I wondered if I was really making a difference at all.

First Thessalonians 5:14 says, “And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. “

When I opened that letter today, every second guess and question about myself over the last 12 months melted away in an instant. That is what encouragement does.

Who do you need to encourage this week?

Your minister?
Teacher?
Mother/father?
Spouse?

Spend a few minutes calling this person or writing to them or even nominating them for something that they’ve done. It will mean the world to them.

Thanks Jordan. You did my heart good, man.