The value of the seeds.

Ask yourself how you have been doing lately with your self-awareness. Sometimes we complain about how little someone has done.

But what if we reversed that view and saw a small effort as a seed of kindness? We could take that text, call, or verbal gesture of “how are you?” or “thinking of you?” and we could thank God for the seed planted. We could send follow-up texts or make a call to check on that person. We could pray for them, write a note, or send an encouraging message.

Adult relationships are complex, and everyone has different responsibilities, and some individuals have limited bandwidth to meet others’ expectations and needs. We need to be mindful, grateful, and enjoy the seeds of kindness and remember to water others.

I have to be honest lately I’ve stumbled a bit and found myself complaining, focusing on what I don’t have, and slipping into old thought patterns. None of this is new to me, and I shouldn’t be so forgetful, but it’s a good reminder that no matter how much we’ve learned, our emotions can still ebb and flow for so many reasons hormonal, emotional, social.

The holidays can stir up memories, especially when we’re missing loved ones who have passed or family who live far away. There are a hundred things that can weigh on our hearts. But every day we have a choice: to renew our minds, to speak God’s truth, and to acknowledge when we’re off track. Sometimes it sounds like, “Hey, I’ve been off. I’m really sorry.” Other times it’s reminding ourselves, “Stop. Think again. Look at all the good in your life.”

We have to stay aware and we can’t forget all that God has done.