• Glimpses
  • Recipes
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

Kitchen Table Devotions

by Rita Louise MacDonald

  • About Me
  • My Blog
  • My Books
  • Links & Other Stuff

Up In the Balcony

by Rita Macdonald

A sweet woman I may never see again made these tulips for me.  She lives in Brazil, and she was an incredible encouragement to me, even despite our communication difficulties with needing an interpreter.  Our interpreter, and mutual friend Emily once shared a book with me called “Balcony People” by Joyce Landorf Heatherley.  It basically talked about the great impact we can have on all of the people in our lives, everyone we encounter.  We can boost them up or we can shove them down, referring to people as either balcony people, or basement people. We can ENcourage or we can DIScourage everyone we meet.

I have a few very special balcony people in my life.  One of several in particular who immediately comes to mind is Edna.  We share books back and forth and one of our favorites is “I’m Proud Of You,” the story of a friendship with Mr. Rogers.  Edna signs every email to me with “IPOY,” our acronym for “I’m Proud Of You.”  Edna is certainly one of my balcony people.

And, then there’s those basement folks.  Everybody’s got them.  But let’s not talk about them, okay?  I don’t want to be a Basement Person. Basements are damp and dark and discouraging.

I’d prefer to follow Edna’s example.  I want to be a Balcony Person!

The first time I read this book, it caused me to realize who my balcony people were.  The second time I read it, it encouraged me to make sure I always took the stairs up to the balcony in my friendships.  And the Mr. Rogers book?  It helped me see how important it is to encourage our children, and even when they are grown, to encourage them, and always, always, always tell them “I’m Proud of You.”

What about you?  Wouldn’t you rather be up in the balcony?

Thank You, Edna – for being my Balcony Person, and for always speaking love and wisdom and encouragement into my life.  I love you.

“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.”  Ephesians 4:29

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Click to print (Opens in new window) Print

Leave a Comment | Glimpses

Get Kitchen Table Devotions In Your Inbox

Join 1,356 other subscribers

You may also enjoy...

« Mashed Potato Cake
Little Allan Oat Cakes, by Aunt Gertie »

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Hello, I’m Rita.

Rita Louise MacDonald

I am a very imperfect follower of Jesus. Much of my journey in learning to follow Christ – as a single mother and now as an empty nester – has taken place at my kitchen table. I invite you to pull up a chair, enjoy the stories, maybe even collect a recipe or two!

Read more…

Get Kitchen Table Devotions In Your Inbox

Join 1,356 other subscribers

Latest Posts

  • A Heart Like Katie
  • Letting Our Loved Ones Die
  • You’re Going To Die

Buy My Books

Whosoever Will

Whosoever Will
Buy This Book Online
Buy from Amazon
Buy from Amazon Kindle
Buy from Barnes and Noble
Buy from Barnes and Noble Nook
Whosoever Will
Buy now!

Glimpses of His Love

Glimpses of His Love
Buy This Book Online
Buy from Amazon
Buy from Barnes and Noble
Glimpses of His Love
Buy now!

Popular Posts

  • As Far As The East Is From The West
    As Far As The East Is From The West
  • Words & Toothpaste
    Words & Toothpaste
  • Nova Scotia Butter Tarts, by Aunt Joanie
    Nova Scotia Butter Tarts, by Aunt Joanie
  • Enchilada Meatballs
    Enchilada Meatballs
  • When A Nurse Says Goodbye
    When A Nurse Says Goodbye
  • Nurses, & The ABUSE They Endure!
    Nurses, & The ABUSE They Endure!

Get Kitchen Table Devotions In Your Inbox

Join 1,356 other subscribers

Follow Kitchen Table Devotions on Social Media

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Copyright © 2025 · Kitchen Table Devotions · Rita Louise MacDonald · All Rights Reserved

Copyright © 2025 · Pink Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

 

Loading Comments...