Encouragement

In recent years, folks have discovered the children’s books of two twentieth century British writers: C. S. Lewis, who wrote The Chronicles of Narnia, and J. R. R. Tolkien, author of Lord of the Rings.

 Lewis and Tolkien were English literature professors and lifelong friends at Oxford University.

 Lewis began publishing his stories early in his career. Tolkien did not think his stories were worthy of print. It was through Lewis' encouragement that Tolkien submitted his stories for publication.

 But Tolkien made a big contribution to Lewis' life, too. It was through his friend's encouragement that Lewis moved from atheist to believer.

 Encouragement is a precious gift. When we give it to the people around us, miraculous things can happen. Through encouragement, they can do things which otherwise would have been impossible.