I spent the majority of the past two days at the Wordsowers Writers Conference in Omaha. The annual gathering draws in writers, editors, agents, and marketers from the local area and even across the country. This year, we had the privilege of hearing from the award-winning author Ronie Kendig. We were also joined once again by such writing experts as Tosca Lee and Alex Marestaing.

A famous proverb from the Bible says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” I learned enough during this conference to keep my head spinning for a little while. I was humbled to realize mistakes I’d been making all this time and how I needed to learn from and avoid them in the future. I was also struck by the need to sift through the information overload and consider what practical steps I can take to improve my writing right now (instead of trying to do EVERYTHING all AT ONCE!).

In the midst of it all, I seized multiple opportunities to speak an encouraging word. Several of my co-attendees needed a listening ear and a gentle reminder that they were on the right track, that they should not give up. Others simply needed to hear a word of confirmation about how their heart and soul indeed blesses the world. I was overjoyed when I could share that listening heart and such uplifting words – and watch my response visibly bless the other(s) involved in the conversation.

Many hearts in our world today need both comforting and sharpening. Over the course of this weekend, I was acutely reminded of it. And challenged. Will you join me in considering how you can comfort and sharpen others in your sphere of influence?