Bad news… my hair felt outdated and lacked a style.

Good news… I have a great hair stylist.

Bad news… She’s on maternity leave.

Good news… She suggested another stylist who works in the same salon. 

From the moment I sat in Amanda’s chair, I felt like she “got” me. We chatted for a few minutes about my hair woes of hair and then she got to work. 

I watched—a bit anxiously—as long strands of hair dropped to the floor. I began to second guess myself, “Did she really get me?”

Clip clip clip. Hair kept falling to the floor. 

Next, the blow dry. A few more clips and then the final reveal. 

Confidently, she handed me the mirror so I could see the new me. The result? A truly lovely style, created by someone I had only known a few minutes. 

The great haircut wasn’t the only benefit of my hair salon visit. In 45 minutes, Amanda had become my hair hero and new friend. 

While I was sitting in the chair, our conversation went deep. We discussed some hard things going on in our lives. We chatted about the value of relationships, overcoming fears, and the importance of reinventing our stories. It was so encouraging! In these few minutes, I made a new connection with someone I may never see again. Yet, our discussion will remain in my heart and on my mind for a long time. 

I think this is part of what Jesus has in mind when he promises an abundant life for us. Everyday experiences, no matter how brief, can become extraordinary moments.

What started out as a “just hair” appointment became a sweet reminder that people do not always have to be in my life for years to be an encouragement to me. 

The good news… something as simple as a few encouraging words can make someone’s day. 

“So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing” 1 Thessalonians 5:11.