In my book, Every Day a Friday, I talk about simple, practical changes that you can make in your day-to-day living so that you can set yourself up to really enjoy every single day the way God intends. One of the principles I talk about is “Traveling Light.” In this life, so many people are carrying such a heavy load that it’s robbing them of true peace and joy.

One “load” people often carry is the load of everybody else’s business. Not only are they carrying things that affect them, they are carrying things that affect other people as well. I don’t know about you, but I have a hard enough time trying to run my own life without trying to run anybody else’s life. One of the best ways I can keep my load light is to simply mind my own business. If a neighbor takes four vacations a year, it’s none of my business. If a friend wears a ring on every finger and two on every toe, it’s none of my business. We can’t enjoy life if we are running around being nosey. Nosey people are critical people. They want to know all the details and the latest scoop. They’ll show up at work and say, “Did you hear what I heard? Did you hear what they said?” Your answer should be, “No, and I don’t want to hear it. I don’t want to be poisoned with gossip. My ears are not trash cans to fill with garbage!” Don’t sit there and be passive. If you have to, get up and leave! Be bold and don’t let people poison you. If your friends are critics, faultfinders and busybodies, find some new friends. Don’t let that critical spirit poison you.

Today, instead of getting into everybody else’s business, get into God’s business! He’s in the business of loving people. He’s in the business of restoring people. He’s in the business of encouraging and healing people. When you get into God’s business, He’ll get into yours! What you make happen for others, God will make happen for you. Remember, with every word and every action, you are sowing seeds. Sow good seeds of love, support and encouragement. Travel light so you can receive the harvest of blessing God has in store for your future!

“A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid anyone who talks too much” (Proverbs 20:19, NIV).