Who brightens your day?

Feet trudging through the snowy slush, I made my way to the mailbox across the street. Newly married, living twelve hours from home with new jobs, my husband and I were also enduring the hardest winter in New England in thirty years. 

I was surrounded by the unfamiliar and on this day, I felt especially sad. 

Opening the lid, I instantly brightened as I lifted out the pastel envelope. It was a letter from my great aunt.

In the seclusion of that new life, I began writing her letters. Every few weeks I’d receive a new response filled with stories from home, updates, recipes, and best of all, encouragement. Later, an assortment of homemade cookies arrived, delicious and baked with her love.

Our correspondence was a bright spot during a challenging season when I felt isolated from everything I knew. Long before cell phones and instant communication, I looked forward with anticipation for her letters full of wisdom and love. Her support and encouragement meant everything to me.

The leads to our next tip for Living Intentionally and Focusing Eternally during seasons of challenge:

Tip #9: Surround Yourself with Support

We were never meant to walk through hard seasons alone. God is always with us, but He also places people around us to be His hands and heart when we need it most. Sometimes it’s the listening ear of a friend, the encouragement of someone who loves us, or the wisdom from a life long-lived that helps us see the way forward.

And if you’re in a steadier season, maybe you are the one God wants to use to bring encouragement to someone else.

Who are the people you can lean on when the day feels heavy? Take a moment to jot down a few names — the ones you know will listen, pray, and remind you of truth. Then, the next time you need extra support, reach out. You may be surprised at how God meets you through their love and encouragement.

Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

Galatians 6:2