Good Words

Anxiety in a man's heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.     Proverbs 12:25 ESV

As the recipient of a good word this past Monday morning, I can attest to the truth of this proverb!  It’s truly amazing how much difference a simple word of encouragement can make.

I’m two and a half weeks into a new job, and my Monday call was from my new boss.  The job that I already loved has become the job I look forward to waking up early to go to!

This sounds a little crazy, I know.  Those of you who know me know that I am NOT a morning person.  Waking up at any time, for me, has always been a struggle; waking up early takes the struggle to a whole new level!  But for the past couple of weeks, I’ve found that getting out of bed seems to be getting easier and easier (which does not mean it is EASY yet, but it seems plausible that this could become a thing…). 

I find myself feeling more content than I have felt in ages.  I love my job!  Being able to make that statement just feels really good.  The past eight months have been particularly trying professionally, to put it nicely.  When asked to explain why that has been the case, I have found it difficult to put it into concise terms.  But I think Proverbs 12:25 gives some good perspective on the matter:

An encouraging word cheers a person up. Proverbs 12:25b NLT

The opposite is also true.  A discouraging word can leave a person feeling sad, weary, and just generally unhappy.  Coming out of an environment where discouraging words were plentiful and into a setting where gratitude and encouragement flow freely has been fairly life-changing, and I am feeling incredibly blessed.

All that is simply to say this: I want to speak/write/text/post the kind of words that can help others feel glad, cheered up, encouraged, and valued.  In a world where judgment and criticism flow freely, I want to be a person who spreads a little more cheer.

Today’s thought is a short and simple one - good words are encouraging.  Let's share those good words liberally.  Who can you encourage today? 

…Just a thought…