THOUGHTFULNESS
Hey there! Let’s take a moment to reflect on something that’s super important in our daily lives: thoughtfulness.
Sometimes, we get caught up in our busy schedules and forget just how much a little kindness can brighten someone’s day. As we read in Galatians 6:9-10, “Let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time, we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith.”
This is a beautiful reminder that our efforts to be thoughtful truly matter! So, can you take a moment to assess how thoughtful you are? On a scale from one to ten—where one means “not at all thoughtful” and ten means “extremely thoughtful”—how would you rate yourself?
I find this to be a helpful way to get my day in line, especially when I am a bit overwhelmed. Considering my life and the degree to which I’m willing to see beyond my own problems is incredibly beneficial to my me telling, emotions spiritual health.
If you find that being kind and considerate comes naturally to you, that’s fantastic! But if you, like me, feel like you need to work at it, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Thoughtfulness is something we can all improve on with a little intention.
And let’s be honest—we all forget important dates every now and then. If you’re finding it hard to remember birthdays or milestones of family and friends, you’re definitely in good company! But here’s the encouraging part: there’s always a new opportunity to practice being thoughtful.
As the great author Maya Angelou once said, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Think about that! When you show thoughtfulness, you create memories and feelings that linger long after the moment has passed.
This week, let’s challenge ourselves a bit. Ask God to open your eyes to opportunities for practicing thoughtfulness toward others. Here’s a powerful verse to guide you: “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” (James 1:22). This verse prompts us to take action, moving from good intentions to tangible kindness.
Here are three practical applications to get you started:
- Set Reminders: Use your phone or a calendar to remind you of important dates for loved ones, such as birthdays or anniversaries. Sending a thoughtful message or even a little gift can mean the world to someone. This sounds like thoughtfulness is a task. I prefer to think of it as intentionality.
- Small Acts of Kindness: Make it a point to perform at least one small act of kindness each day—whether it’s holding the door for someone, complimenting a friend, or offering to help a colleague. If you are looking for a way to add a bit of healthy balance to your life, this is a great start.
- Listen Intently: Take time this week to genuinely listen to someone in your life. Sometimes, offering a listening ear is one of the most thoughtful things you can do, showing that you care about their thoughts and feelings.
So let’s embrace the opportunity to be more thoughtful! The little things truly do matter, and you never know how much of an impact you can have on someone else’s day. Let’s go out there and make kindness a priority!
Go in Peace, Chuck
