I’ve always heard that Life begins at 40… and I have to say, what I received on my 40th birthday absolutely breathed new life into me.

I just want to say the deepest, most heartfelt thank you to everyone who responded (and to those who are still responding!) to my husband’s sneaky little request earlier this week.

How he pulled it off is still beyond me. I like to think I’m sharper than the average bear—but somehow… he did it!!

Anyway…

You know those really hard days when everything feels pointless? When you wonder if anything you’re doing really matters, and your life just feels like one big blunder after another? When no matter what you think or try, it feels impossible to pull yourself out?

Yeah. I have those days too. (Law of Rhythm!) There’s a real force working against all of us—trying to keep us from pressing forward with faith. And let me tell you… I know it well.

In fact, there were a few days just earlier this month where I felt completely buried by thoughts like:
I’m not good enough. I’m not strong enough. I’m not disciplined enough to reach this next goal.
It was a heavy place to be.

So picture this…

Wednesday—my birthday—starts with breakfast in bed, courtesy of my sweet kids. YUM!
Then I did something I’d been putting off for six months—I tackled a pile of long-overdue business tasks. It was my gift to myself. Whew!
Then, lunch with dear friends. YUM again!
I spent a couple hours at a favorite quiet spot, pondering the things that matter most to me. A perfect way to mark a new decade.
Then my husband took me to dinner… with more friends (yes, more food! So much yum!)
…then he dragged me to a friend’s house to “fix their computer” (which meant I couldn’t get home in time to party with my kids). GRRR…

…except that wasn’t the real plan.

SURPRISE.
A huge party—for me. With my kids, extended family, and some of my closest friends all gathered. HOLY COW!

I thought the day couldn’t get any better—until my husband stood up and told everyone about the book he had been compiling. He explained how he had written to you, and how overwhelmed he had been by the response pouring in from all over the world.

That’s when I lost it.

As we started to read some of the messages from you—my readers—I completely came undone. I wept like a baby. You have no idea how deeply your words touched me.

That book now lives on my nightstand.

Yes, I receive kind feedback here and there—but this was different. This was a book full of stories and love and truth, even from people I’d never heard from before.

You have NO IDEA how much it means to me… to know that something I’ve said or done has made a difference in your life.

It’s a treasure. A lifeline I will turn to on the days when I forget why I do what I do. On the days when I feel too tired, too discouraged, or too small.

THANK YOU—from the bottom of my heart.
You made a difference.

We really don’t understand how much power lives inside a simple note, a single expression of thanks. I thought I understood it before, but now… I “get it” on a whole new level.

And I’m inspired to give that gift more freely now, too. Because I know—firsthand—how needed and how healing it really is.

So if you’ve ever thought your story didn’t matter—please think again. I cherish every single story and expression that’s come my way, and I will continue to lean on them when I need strength. Even those that arrive late are being tucked away and treasured.

And if you feel weary in doing good…
Remember and believe:
People need you.
Keep going.
Be not weary in well doing: for in due season, you shall reap, if you faint not.

With all my love and deepest gratitude,
Leslie Householder

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