Apparently, today was World Kindness Day. I knew this not because it was thoroughly advertised, or by a local event, but by a simple Facebook post. Currently, there is so much negativity surrounding the country, the world, and even each other. We live in a time period with such progressive opinions and aggressive portrayal of the things we believe. Don't get me wrong, I am the FIRST person to give my honest opinion on things and love nothing more than telling others what I feel will be the right path for them to take. But, in modern society, we tend to use negativity and liberalistic strategies in our daily lives, even if they are done or said "nicely". We say we are nice people and say nice things. Yet, we lack the reason why the adjective "nice" even came about. We lack the possession of kindness. We lack love.
There is a major difference between being nice and being kind. I can nicely tell someone they have pretty eyes, or I can nicely open a door for someone, or buy the McDonald's for the person behind me. All of these things are seen as acts of kindness, and I believe these small gestures can make a huge impact. These are so important. But these actions WITHOUT motivation are like feeling happiness without possessing joy, it is temporary. Being nice will make you feel good for a moment, but without possessing kindness, it cannot last.
Being kind means doing those nice things out of the love you have for that person with pretty eyes, or walking through that door, or behind you in the drive-thru. Being kind means you are secure in knowing that not only do the people deserve to be loved, but that you deserve that same love. Kindness roots from believing in a purpose for you and for the world, and the desire to make those things a positive light. Kindness is so much more than being nice.
For those reading this post, I pray that you will see genuine kindness this week. I pray that you are able to see love, even if that is right now. You are loved. I love you. He loves you. Use this love to love others as HE and I and others love you.
"And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony."
-Colossians 3:14
Sunday, November 13, 2016
Tuesday, November 8, 2016
Being lonely is being OKAY
Coming back from camp is always a very difficult thing to do. Although I do feel very fulfilled and clarified, it is hard to come from a place that you are undeniable needed in the most apparent ways to a place that that need for you isn't so obvious.
Recently, I can't help but shake the feeling of loneliness. I've felt physically distant from my camp family, emotionally distant from my friends here in Lexington, and overall distant from my parents and family. Feeling this way is never fun. Here, it is very difficult to shake the feeling of being second. Juggling this empty feeling of loneliness is hard in an end-of-the-year stress period.
Yet, as hard as this is to come to terms with, sometimes we are faced with this feeling of loneliness to realize we are NOT alone. I think God allows this distance to occur for a variety of reasons. He does so to let us fix our thoughts and prioritize the important aspects in our life. He does so to allow us to rest, the constant upkeep of relationships can be exhausting at times. He does so to make us relatable, so when our peers have this feeling in the future, we can empathize and send them on the right path. Finally, He does so for reflection. Spending time away from the chaos of the world allows you to just be. Reflection and review of your decisions and events is vital to your future.
So, this feeling will pass. But for now, it is okay. Being lonely doesn't mean you're alone, you are never alone with God. Yet, being lonely can create such positive evaluations of the life you are living, and that is necessary from time to time. Being lonely is being okay.
“Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. The troubles of my heart are enlarged; bring me out of my distresses.”
-Psalm 25:16-17
Recently, I can't help but shake the feeling of loneliness. I've felt physically distant from my camp family, emotionally distant from my friends here in Lexington, and overall distant from my parents and family. Feeling this way is never fun. Here, it is very difficult to shake the feeling of being second. Juggling this empty feeling of loneliness is hard in an end-of-the-year stress period.
Yet, as hard as this is to come to terms with, sometimes we are faced with this feeling of loneliness to realize we are NOT alone. I think God allows this distance to occur for a variety of reasons. He does so to let us fix our thoughts and prioritize the important aspects in our life. He does so to allow us to rest, the constant upkeep of relationships can be exhausting at times. He does so to make us relatable, so when our peers have this feeling in the future, we can empathize and send them on the right path. Finally, He does so for reflection. Spending time away from the chaos of the world allows you to just be. Reflection and review of your decisions and events is vital to your future.
So, this feeling will pass. But for now, it is okay. Being lonely doesn't mean you're alone, you are never alone with God. Yet, being lonely can create such positive evaluations of the life you are living, and that is necessary from time to time. Being lonely is being okay.
“Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. The troubles of my heart are enlarged; bring me out of my distresses.”
-Psalm 25:16-17
Monday, November 7, 2016
Home IS where the heart is ♥
I think we can all agree that most of us have hit the point in the semester where we simply have stopped caring, even though now is one of the most vital times TO care. I can personally say that I have slim to no motivation to do anything except lay in bed and watch Grey's for the third time. There comes a time where we are even unmotivated to go out and do fun things, and I am at that point.
It is important to know that taking a break and going HOME is okay to do. Yet, the meaning of home can differ from person to person. Sometimes, and currently for me, home is completely literal and I am at the house where I grew up with the people who raised me, my parents. But other times, home can be the place where you feel as though the people surrounding you are the most prominent and comforting people in your life at that time. Home can mean you are sitting in somewhere away from civilization by yourself, taking in the wonders of the world. Home is not defined by the location you have always known, but rather the place you are at peace.
Don't worry, we have almost made it past the stress and heartache of the semester. Finish strong and know that in those times of heightened anxiety, the place where your heart and spirit lies with Him will provide you with peace.
"Jesus replied, "Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our HOME with them.""
-John 14:23
It is important to know that taking a break and going HOME is okay to do. Yet, the meaning of home can differ from person to person. Sometimes, and currently for me, home is completely literal and I am at the house where I grew up with the people who raised me, my parents. But other times, home can be the place where you feel as though the people surrounding you are the most prominent and comforting people in your life at that time. Home can mean you are sitting in somewhere away from civilization by yourself, taking in the wonders of the world. Home is not defined by the location you have always known, but rather the place you are at peace.
Don't worry, we have almost made it past the stress and heartache of the semester. Finish strong and know that in those times of heightened anxiety, the place where your heart and spirit lies with Him will provide you with peace.
"Jesus replied, "Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our HOME with them.""
-John 14:23
Sunday, November 6, 2016
Technology is NOT the future :(
You are unable to see the impact that technology, Apple products specifically, have on your life and the world until you are forced to live without the convenience of one for a period of time. Last week, I was leisurely watching Netflix on my laptop around 1 A.M. when multiple colored lines appear on my screen. My first reaction of course was to panic and click every single button I could, so when that didn't work, I called my dad crying. At 2 in the morning. Over a computer.
The past week has been ridiculous when it comes to doing anything that requires the Internet. I jumped from the computer lab in the library to my apartment computer lab to begging to use friend's computers to using my phone to access my homework. And of course, the week this happened had to be the week that I had two exams, a project, and a paper all due. Yet, the worst part was I was unable to continue my daily journey here on my blog.
Now, reflecting on the week with my newly-screen laptop on my table, it is incredible to see the amount of reliance we put on things that have been created by us. I don't leave my room without my IPhone glued to my hand. College students barely interact anymore simply because of our headphones in our ears and extensive focus on the screen in front of us. I, along with us all, am guilty of missing the wonders in our world because of the technology we so harshly rely on.
God tells us to set our minds on things above, and not on earthly things. The stress and fear and sadness and negative emotions we feel on a daily basis derives from the blurred set of priorities we place upon ourselves. I can honestly say I was so stressed over the loss of my laptop that I almost ignored my faith. Yet, when all of our stresses are put on Him, he will bring you peace. The man-made treasures on this Earth, such as technology, do not compare to the treasures offered by God.
"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these will be added unto you."
-Matthew 6:33
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