The world presses in with news of pending doom. The evening news can only afford 30 seconds to the uplifting because there is too much bad news to tell you before bed. The Internet trolls somehow know the precise words to get you riled up. The month seems to have more days than the account has funds. The tendrils of darkness are too strong to resist, and you sense the slide down the slippery slope is inevitable.

With all the rust, decay, brokenness and messed up circumstances swarming around us each day; what breaks through the gloom?

What are you encouraged about?

Potential new talent to your favorite sports franchise.
The flower emerges through the concrete crevasse.
Celebrating a milestone with your spouse or child.
Your teen made his bed without a reminder.
The familiar nuzzle of your dog's cold nose.
The promise of the new job opportunity.
Excited about a new relationship.
You are pursuing your passion.
The first sip of morning coffee.
Goals are being achieved.
Your art is improving.
The season turns.
A child laughs.

The book shop had the translation of Rainer Maria Rilke's, Letters to a Young Poet I was pursuing. As I placed the copy on the counter, the cashier gushed her approval for the small text. I queried about the reason for such a remarkable endorsement. She described how the 100-year-old words spoke to her during a trial and gave her hope for a new tomorrow. I left ready to tear into the book and encountered writing that lived up to the hype.

I was blind-sided by encouragement, and it was fantastic!

What was the last serendipity that encouraged you?

What simple observations encourage you?

How would you like to be encouraged?

How can you encourage those around you?

Who or what is your greatest source of encouragement?