Be Gentle With Yourself

It may have been hard to see from the outside, but I was a mess yesterday. I finally sat down and spilled out my heart to God in my journal – writing helps me identify what in the world is going on in my soul. I listed about a dozen emotions I was feeling, and He helped me figure out where they were coming from and where my thinking wasn’t lining up with His. I sensed He was talking to me much more kindly than I had been talking to myself. This lines up with who He is — mind-blowing generous with lovingkindness and encouragement.

The turmoil I had before talking to Him reminds me that I am not the only one struggling. It makes me want to shout out to anyone who needs to hear this: Be kind – not only to others but to yourself – in thought, words and actions. Talk to yourself like an encouraging and compassionate friend — it is as important as how you treat others. Love others AS YOURSELF. There are two sides to this command – labeled one of the greatest commandments by THE GREATEST PERSON EVER.

And here is a funny photo that was taken a couple of months ago, right after I discovered that I had been wearing two different boots for several hours . I had been to three different public places looking like this. I didn’t notice until I was in an elevator and looked down. I was embarrassed, but I laughed out loud.

We are all a work in progress, learning to think and do well and love better and having mishaps (maybe even wardrobe ones like me). I am praying to be more patient with myself and take myself less seriously because I will have much more energy for living and loving. I pray the same for anyone else out there who needs it. May you remember to be compassionate, encouraging, and gentle with yourself, just as the ONE Who loves you deeply is with you .