Winter break is officially over. As soon as I finish this post I will be off and running with the first counseling clients of the new year. God understands my apprehensions about where he has placed me with this task. It’s my third year at it and I still question God’s judgment about being the right person for the job. Therefore, it is not any coincidence that my reading this morning was Paul’s letter to Timothy. Here is the Life Application Bible commentary for 1 Timothy 4:12-16:

 Each day we have many opportunities to support and inspire family members, fellow workers, and even total strangers. People need help and affirmation all along the way.

Paul modeled six important principles to help us encourage others:

1. Begin with encouragement. People who know we will encourage them will be happy to work with us.
2. Expect of others only what you expect of yourself. People will resist being held to unfair standards.
3. Develop expectations of others with consideration for their skills, maturity, and experience. People will reject or fail to meet expectations that do not fit them. Be patient with distracted or slow learners.
4. Monitor your expectations of others. Changing circumstances sometimes require revised or reduced expectations.
5. Clarify your expectations with others. People are not likely to hit a target that no one has identified.
6. End with encouragement. People love to be thanked for a job well done.

A thoughtful reminder from God who always knows what we need before we know we need it.

Classes started this week, my counseling appointment book is full, homeschooling is off to a rocky yet satisfying start. I will place Paul’s principles on my heart as our regular routine gets back into full gear.

Today’s ‘Around the Square’: Vicki from Windows to My Soul is where you need to visit today. Especially if you need an extra dose of encouragement.  Vicki has been a true cyber friend over the years. Her actions have always spoken louder than her words. When I was being less than nice, Vicki was not daunted. She persevered with me and dug deep with me. She restored my faith in humanity and the Christian spirit. She deserves a hug and hearty hello so please stop by her place today.

Today I am grateful for: the psychic capabilities of my mother-in-law. About a week ago she generously purchased a new toilet for our guest bathroom (which was working fine but a little on the old and worn out side). It is on order. How did she know that this week the toilet in that bathroom would not work anymore?????? I’m off to Lowe’s this afternoon with Mr. John to see if the new toilet has come in. Sharing one bathroom is no fun – especially with a teenage daughter.

Today I am going to simplify my life: by cleaning out my ‘traveling garbage truck’ aka my car.