Proverbs 18:21 reads that: Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit.
The other day I was entering the locker room at the local wellness center. It was after work and I was signed up to take a spin class at 5:30. Behind the door to the locker room was an older gentleman with dark brown hair. I looked at him and he looked at me. Then he said, “How are you this evening young man.” I smiled and said I was fine and hoped he was as well and walked to my locker.
Those of you who know me also know that from a calendar standpoint, I am well into my early sixties. Those so called young years are now mostly a foggy memory.
However, as I dressed for spin, my mind slowly tumbled those briefly spoken words around and around until my mood took a sharp right turn and I felt better than I had in quite some time.
The power of words—words of encouragement—have more than just a psychological effect on us as human beings. Even though I knew from a chronological standpoint that what he said was not strictly “true”, I was amazed at how good those words made me feel physically as well. The only times I really feel “old” as it were, is after a full day in the garden or an hour or two on the carpet with my grandkids. Most of the time, I look in the mirror once a day to brush my teeth and comb my hair and then move on what I feel like inside for the rest of the day. Most days, it feels like I am in my late thirties or early forties—I am still healthy enough to leap small pools in a single bound and walk for miles on the local greenway with my wife and life companion.
Anyway, I think you get the point of what I am trying to say—great benefits can be gained through a few well timed words of encouragement. Out of the abundance of our hearts, let our mouths speak.
Have a great ride!
Looking For The Long Ride 
You’re a year or two ahead of me. And I am, in my mind, still about… nineteen or so–a college kid stuck in the chronic curiosity and adventurism of youth. So, since I am nineteen, you are in reality, what? twenty…twenty-one?
I always thought you look a lot younger than you are.
I am so young that I don’t even know what “spin” is.