These 25 off-the-beaten-path ways to find encouragement are simple, but effective, ways to lift your spirits quickly.

This thing we call “ministry.” It gives us the opportunity to use our gifts and talents to serve God. And it’s rejuvenating and rewarding as we see children’s lives changed. There are those times when we just want to yell from the mountaintops, “I love ministry!”

But there are also those valley times when nothing’s working the way we planned, everything’s in turmoil, and we can’t seem to muster up the motivation to get going.

If we open our eyes and look around, we’ll find that God is sending raindrops of hope and encouragement. God has great things planned for us. We simply have to take the time to experience his joy.

The next time you’re down in the dumps, try one of these 25 picker-uppers to boost your spirits.

1. Take a child to lunch.

Could be your own or one from your group. Really listen! Join in the laughter as the child talks.

2. Cuddle a baby in the nursery.

Sing a verse of “Jesus Loves Me” to the child and yourself. Jesus means that song for you, too!

3. Call a teacher to find out what’s exciting in his or her class.

Enthusiasm is contagious, so try to catch it.

4. Stand at the entryway to your sanctuary between Sunday school and worship time.

Greet the children as they come in, and drink in their genuine expressions of love like a wave, a hug, or a “hi.”

5. Give a hug and enjoy the squeeze effect.

“Never hug tomorrow someone you could hug today,” says Dave Ross in A Book of HUGS. Ross suggests giving Octopus hugs, Puppy hugs, even Porcupine hugs as ways to give and get a hug. There are even Single Arm hugs for people who walk together. Hugs can be a blessing at any time!

6. The next time you get a hug, imagine God’s great big arms wrapped around you.

Receive God’s love through this special, “huggerific” messenger!

7. “Joy rises in my heart until I burst out in songs of praise to him” (Psalm 28:7).

Keep a playlist of your favorite worship music on hand. If you have a collection of kids’ music, sing along and feel the joy lift you into God’s presence.

8. Micah 4:2 tells us, “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord…so that he can teach us his ways.”

What a great means of encouragement! Take off for a weekend. Well, maybe an afternoon, to your favorite hideaway. Catch your thoughts, review your direction, allow God to talk with you. That is what God wants, but so often we’re too busy doing his work to enjoy his presence.

9. You don’t have an hour, much less a day?

Well, take an early-morning bike ride or a brisk walk. Marvel once again at the sunrise, the music of the birds, the beauty of the trees and clouds, and all God’s creation—without the noise and bustle of daytime commitments.

10. When the opportunity affords, get out that inflatable mattress and a really good book.

Take a float in a nearby pool or lake.

11. Or join your kids in the front yard to build a snowman and have a rousing snowball fight.

Don’t forget the hot chocolate afterward.

12. Lift your spirits by declaring your mouth a “no-whine” zone.

Any time you want to complain about something, find at least one positive thing about the “whiny” area and say the positive thing instead. You’ll be surprised how focusing on the positive will change your attitude.

13. Take the time to listen to a good friend.

Time spent giving to a friend is a great encourager to you. Share your troubles over a special cup of tea.

14. Keep a sense of humor.

Allow yourself to laugh at you and the funny things that happen in life.

15. I love to fill my office with pictures of my family at special times and children who have been a blessing.

These pictures help put what I’m doing back into perspective.

16. Have you ever noticed how there’s always room for ice cream…or cookies and milk?

Just get out of the office and take a walk while you lick that chocolate cone. (Sometimes, even a lollipop will do!)

17. Nothing beats a good “Smile File.”

Save notes of encouragement from friends, parents, or kids. Pull out the file when you need a smile. These notes will continually deliver encouragement from the senders to you.

18. A good laugh brings great joy and loosens up those tight muscles.

I have a friend who’s an avid Far Side fan. Her collection of cartoons comes out often during discouraging times!

19. Take a trip to a local card shop with a friend or co-worker.

Pick out cards to exchange. Read them, share them…but don’t buy! This is a quick half-hour to lift your frown lines and your spirits.

20. Always remember you’re not alone in God’s work. Keep special coffee blends in your office area.

Make any day special when you invite staff in for a “Praise and Pamper Party!” Celebrate the positive happenings in each other’s ministry and life.

21. A “Scripture a Day” calendar is a quick lift to keep close.

Devotional calendars with quotes, quips, and verses can fit easily on a desk corner, a bathroom or kitchen counter, or even in the car. It always amazes me how God will draw my attention to a verse at just the moment I need it.

22. Retreat to the backyard swing or a local park to watch the sunset.

Take that sunset personally. God’s glory revealed in his power and majesty is a powerful reminder of his ability to care for you.

23. Always carry a pocket book of encouragement.

My favorites are the works of Max Lucado: God Came Near and He Still Moves Stones. These books often reveal a Scripture that I need to set me straight. Many authors have published great works of encouragement (some are now made small enough to fit in a pocket or purse), but the best is found in God’s work. Read through Psalm 139 when the world gets you down, and know that God cares for you.

24. Do you have a prayer journal or praise list?

Keep track of needs, jotting down dates and prayer requests. Note answers to prayer. Go back over these answered prayers days, weeks, or months later to see proof of God’s faithfulness to you.

25. Above all, talk to God.

He longs to hear from you…and he will always listen and respond. Remember: Don’t pray by heart, but with the heart. Be open and honest with your Lord. God knows your every need, and he will bring encouragement from unexpected places.

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Mary Van Aalsburg is a former children’s minister in California. 

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