#BeKind #UCBKindnessChallenge

I believe that I am loved. This love gives me strength. Each day, I choose to take time to be still and consider this love. I begin each day reminding myself of how faithful this love is and how I can live, sure-footed, in this love that never fails. 

From this belief, flows other things; one of which is following, or trying to follow, the UCB Kindness Challenge. Each day, during Lent, there is a suggestion of how to show kindness. I've had a little look ahead and some of them will be fine to do and enjoyable, however, some will involve going out of my way and even out of my comfort zone! To be honest, I can already hear myself talking my way out of those kindnesses! 

Yet, why should I? Do I not believe that life is about going that extra distance for someone else or putting the needs of others before my own? By making the choice to allow the love of God to be my motivation, I am able to take courage and take a path which is less trodden because it is a harder, bumpier and unpredictable path.

Not for one moment, am I saying that I always tread this path well. I trip up, make the wrong choice and avoid opportunities to be kind. 

However, having found a dictionary and looked up the word kind...well today, I am making the choice to #BeKind, even when it doesn't feel particularly comfortable. For these words, that I came across in the dictionary, are words which I would like woven through my being. 
I choose kindheartedness, tenderheartedness, goodwill, affection, warmth, gentleness, tenderness, concern, care, helpfulness, thoughtfulness, selflessness, understanding, bigheartedness, friendliness, courteousness, patience and graciousness. 
Yes, it is a big list, however, a list that is worth it every single time. 

Today, I'm Thankful

Today, I’m thankful.

Earlier as I sat in my room, and my thoughts were whirring around in my head, again it hit me how fortunate I am because of the family and friends that I have.
I wanted to shout out a big thank you, so I did because no one else was in the house!!

I’m discovering - and I love all that is being revealed to me - that as I walk along in life, some of the things I thought were true, were actually not.

Today, I am thankful that I have discovered what a true friend is. I am even more thankful that I have true, true friends in my life. Ladies, you know who you are and you are an absolute blessing to me.

I am learning how important it is to not only receive that friendship, but to also wholeheartedly give it away. Why would I not want to show my friends, my family how important they are to me? I am realising that it's OK to show love in an 'out there, extravagant' sort of way. Today, I hope to be the friend, the sister, the daughter who gives back in a 'you first' sort of way. The truth is that it is not about me, it is about others. Demonstrating that I am thankful for the care and the love that is bestowed upon me. I do not deserve it; however, I am so thankful for the people in my life who are courageous enough to care and to love, without asking for anything in return.

Today, I am thankful to have paused for a moment and noticed the wonderful people I have in my life. I feel so special, so blessed.

As the day went on, I wonder if it was because I had taken time to pause and be thankful, that I took more notice of a chance conversation. As I walked away, I was thankful that God is interested in the smallest details, even down to the timing of turning a corner.
Already feeling so thankful, I was then blown away by the flowers and the note left on my doorstep - thank you so much to whoever...what wonderful surprise, an amazing blessing.

As I've already said, today, I am thankful. Yet, I believe it cannot just be a feeling. This thankfulness must become an action too.
So tomorrow, as the sun brings its new day, I'm praying that my heart is ready to share this thankfulness in an 'out there, you first' sort of way.