​Everyone can name things about themselves that they don’t like.  The time we spend analyzing those qualities that we don’t like can be never-ending. It is easy to stand in front of a mirror and critique ourselves.  “If only I was smarter, then I wouldn’t have to spend so much time on studying.”  “If I was a more natural disciplinarian, my children would behave better at school.”  “I’ve gained so much weight, I don’t even want to be seen in public.”  Whether it is weight, grades, athletic ability, or negative personality qualities, everyone has a list of things that they want to change about themselves.  

​Why do we have such negative views about ourselves?  First of all, everyone naturally compares themselves to others.  When we see someone who has a great quality, we admire and focus on that.  While we’re concentrating on how great they are at that specific thing, we neglect seeing anything else about them that they might need to improve.  Another reason might be that our society says that we should not only appear perfect, but our perfection should also seem effortless. No matter what your flaws are, hating yourself is not healthy.  Focusing on your flaws and hating yourself isn’t something that God wants.  Everyone does have positive and negative qualities, but we are all blessed that God made us so wonderfully.  He created us the way that we are for a purpose, and that purpose is to utilize our gifts and live for Him. 

​Psalm 139:14 says, “I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.”
             

​New Beginnings is such an amazing program, and I feel blessed to be a part of it. Every day I am blessed with the opportunity to watch new mothers grow closer to Christ, learn new parenting skills, and advance their education. The blessings, however, are often laced with bumps along the way. One of the most valuable concepts I took away from the conference is that New Beginnings is NOT alone in the struggles we face when working with single, generationally-poor mothers. If the difficulties of doing God’s work ceased to exist, then we would know that we are not doing enough. With growth comes resistance, hardship, and even fear, but it is our job to help each mother recognize her strength and ability to blossom. Is change scary? Yep. New Beginnings can confirm, however, that sometimes the most difficult events in our life help us to flourish the most! 

​So I say it again: we are not a finishing school. I have never heard someone say, “I have too much knowledge.” What a great reminder that we all have the opportunity to grow; all we need is a little water and sunshine, and a lot of perseverance and guidance from Christ. 

​This is so true! If someone says something nice to you, do you find yourself reflecting on that comment from time to time and having it bringing a renewed smile to your face? I know I do. 

​Acts of kindness can be so small, but mean so much. A compliment or warm smile is absolutely free to give, although for some of us, the ability to hand one out may take some refining. It may seem silly at first, but be intentional about the kindness you show others. If this is not something that comes naturally to you, start each week or day by detailing out what you will do for someone else- and then make sure you follow through. Once you get in the habit of doing small things for others, you’ll find the opportunity arise more and more often, and it will start to come naturally to you. In the end, you may even find these small kindnesses making their way back to you. 

We are always looking for new ways to spread kindness! What are some ways that you have surprised others with a random act of kindness? Find some great ideas for families by clicking on the button below. ​