{my Bible and books in a new little arrangement for Easter on my bedside table…}
An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up.
~Psalm 12:25
I’m thinking this morning about how important affirmation is to the human spirit. How deeply we crave kind words or an extra bit of encouragement. Encouraging words for a friend are truly sunlight to a heart.
When my friends tell me, “You are sunshine,” my heart lights up. Something within me feels deeply understood, appreciated, fulfilled and sometimes, on mornings like this, it makes me a little misty-eyed. It also encourages me to continue being happy-Natalie, to continue sharing sunshine in all the many little ways I love. Isn’t that a beautiful thing?
A wise man’s heart guides his mouth…pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
~Psalm 16:23a-24
Obviously, I am not saying that we should seek attention or approval from others. That must come from God alone. We must always go to HIM first.
I am saying, though, that it is so important that we take time to respect, love, encourage, and support the endeavors of our friends. What a delightful occupation to cheer on our friends! I absolutely adore it! Not only does it give the recipient joy, it gives the giver joy, too.
Friendships multiply joys and divide griefs.
~H. G. Bohn
You, dear reader, look lovely today! You are beautiful, and I hope you find many joys in your day today that remind you of how loved you are.
