Some years ago Cheryl and I whilst on holiday in Thessaloniki, Greece walked along the Egnatia Road and found a food market with the most amazing pastries. We asked in a coffee shop for the owner to recommend something nice to go with our drink. Sugary, crumbling pastry with nuts, glazed on top melted in our mouths. Our thanks were more noises and gestures than erudite Greek. Our server was clearly appreciative of our thanks and encouragement. I’m sure her regulars enjoyed her food but somehow our being tourists added to the compliment.
Here in Britain we have a programme called The Great British Bake Off. Contestants cook amazing meals or cakes and the judge’s taste. As the judges’ fork cuts into whatever is on the plate my mouth starts to prepare, taste buds fire up and my stomach is ready to receive. Disappointment follows as the TV screen is as close as I get! To add insult to my sense of loss the judges describe in detail the texture, consistency, flavour and taste. The feedback is often about time in the oven or the process which led to the success or failure of a dish. The best offerings first get a speechless smile and deep um. Paul Hollywood, one of the judges, says, ‘What can I say?’ followed by, ‘I really like that.’ – he does so with a warm smile. He is known as a supreme baker whose opinion is greatly valued. If he reaches out to shake a contestant’s hand it’s like getting a gold medal, some contestants shed a tear. Such is the sense of approval. For some it appears to heal or open deep feelings of long held low self-esteem. I wonder if for some this is the approval denied by a parent or past teacher. Well done Paul Hollywood for reaching out in this way.
I think this morning of another Paul who spoke of us encouraging one another. He wrote to the Christians in Thessaloniki at a time when they had few reasons around them to feel good about life, they were under pressure and could have done with a handshake as it were. One of the main issues for these folk was concern for the future and whilst much of Paul’s letter spoke of the distant future his suggestion was for shared encouragement in the present. I’m sensing that his words still stand true ‘…encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.’ 1 Thessalonians 5:11 Whether it’s a smile and handshake, a letter in the post or a phone call, why not boost a friend’s confidence today – build them up.
Rob Wykes 