The name Barnabas comes from a Hebrew word that means son of comfort or encouragement.  Today, the Church celebrates the feast of Barnabas, which led me to reflect on those people in my life who have been sources of comfort and encouragement.  It was a great litany of people whom God has allowed to cross my path at the right time.  Ralph Waldo Emerson says “our chief want is someone who will inspire us to be what we know we could be.”  That is a great insight for life is pretty dull and burdensome without those people who are present to encourage.  It takes very little to encourage but the effect can never really be measured.  Be a Barnabas today and everyday!