Friends,

I am so excited to share with you today! The time between Christmas and New Years is always such a blessing. It represents the end of something tangible and real, and the beginning of a fresh new door to the unknown.

Since my crazy 20’s, I have carved out some me-time during this season to reflect on the year past, and write down some specific goals for the following year. My wife laughs at me every year as I come home from Common Grounds or the Library or some other thematic haunt like a conquering hero!  So, for the next few days I will share a few thoughts about this year that I pray will be valuable to you.

I can think of no better place to start than this simple word…ENCOURAGEMENT.

Some people, a very few, are just wired for encouragement. It’s just how God made them. But for the rest of us, it takes great effort, doesn’t it?

A few days ago, I received a hand-written letter in the mail. How long has it been since you received one? Do you remember how you felt? In our twitter/fb/text/blog/email world, a letter is indeed something special.

Here is an excerpt from the letter:

“I wanted to thank you for your word of encouragement recently regarding seeking God in times of transition. I have found continued perspective from working through past WorkMatters Eight-to-Five podcasts, specifically providing insights into aligning my life’s activities with His plan.”

As you consider your 2010 goals, consider this powerful word, and what it could mean in the lives of the people you work with and live with.

Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up.  Proverbs 12:25   (NLT)

Father, we have so much to be encouraged about. Give us the motivation to share it with others in 2010. To be intentional about finding opportunities to encourage those we work with and for, as well as our family members.  Amen