Every year, I participate in a small group called Nederland. Named after the town in which we meet, six pastors make the trek to a mountain cabin for the expressed purpose of caring for one another in our calling as pastors.

I treasure this group of pastors. I know and respect them and they me. We challenge and encourage each other. We worship together and share what’s on our hearts and minds, including the difficulties and victories we’ve experienced. We eat together. We laugh. We enjoy times of silence.

More than anything, I think what this group provides is an opportunity to speak and hear words of life. This is not the only place this happens. I am fortunate to have similar opportunities with my spouse, family, friends, and co-workers. The difference with Nederland is that we intentionally make extended time and space to layout our struggles and dreams. We listen attentively to each other and ask questions. We offer feedback and suggest different ways of thinking about situations.

Do you have the opportunity in your own life to intentionally speak and hear words of life?

All this may sound trite, like a waste of time, or even impossible. I don’t know. If it does, I would like to invite you to ask why. Is it because it doesn’t seem necessary? Too weird? You’re too busy?

We often underestimate the power of words. However, the writer of Proverbs writes in the 16^th chapter, “Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.” We don’t need empty compliments or ego stroking. We need to hear truthful and hopeful words. We need to hear words that enlarge our vision for ourselves. Wise words. Gracious words.

Such words reach into our brokenness and bring life.

You don’t have to go to Colorado once a year for this sort of thing. Maybe the group already exists. Maybe it’s a community group or some friends or even colleagues. Whoever they are, you simply need to trust each other and be intentional. Each of you has to be willing to give the gift of unhurried time, attentive ears, and words that give life.