Here's what I've been thinkin about lately. It mostly applies to working with children, but it applies to all. Some people are easy to love and care about. Some people are easy to spend time with. Some are easy to get along with and fun to talk to. We tend to gravitate to these people.
But what if you intentionally went to those who weren't so easy. What if you purposely tended to those who were more challenging and a bit difficult to deal with. Some kids hit, some bite, throw tantrums, don't listen, and have all sorts of behavioral challenges. Not everyone is pleasant and easygoing. Naturally, we tend to stay closer to those we feel more comfortable with.
But look at who Jesus spent his ministry time with. He went straight to those in need. The sick, the hurt, the poor, the hungry, the lonely, the unpopular, the hurt, and those who are often neglected. He understood unconditional positive regard. That's a fancy way of saying love. He treated everyone with pure generosity, kindness, gentleness, patience, compassion, and grace.
Think about those around you most. I believe God has called me to be where I'm at, to work with specific children, parents, and staff. I believe God calls us to be the Light of Christ. God calls us to shine. To bring positivity, encouragement, and support. To help in big and small ways. God calls us to be selfless and to lay down our lives to serve and bless others. It really is better to give than to receive.
I remember watching an old movie called, "Big." It was about this guy who got paid to play with toys, to test them out, and to see if kids would like them too. And he was very childlike. I always thought, dang, how fun would it be to get paid to just simply have fun playing and taking care of others.
I get to play tag, play with blocks, dinosaurs, do puzzles, draw, sing, read and tuck kids in for nap time. Seeing these little children laugh and smile really is rewarding. They enjoy simple things. We go for walks, catch bugs, run around, read books, and get to have dance parties with bubbles everywhere!
Yeah, there are kids who need more attention, discipline, and need to work on following directions, but for the most part, it's a joy just watching them experience life. In a way, I feel like it's training me to be a dad. A little one crawled into my lap and fell asleep. He was so peaceful. His heart and breath began to synchronize with mine and I just sat there in awe.
When I visualize the life I want for myself, I know I want to be healthy, wealthy and have a family one day. Sometimes love develops unexpectedly. When you're 100% your true self, you will attract 100% the right people. Throw out your perfect ideals + expectations, and be open to who & where God leads you.
And when you keep working on building your best self, you get closer to becoming the person you want to be. It takes discipline, consistency, self-love, and a confident mentality to create the life you want. Do what it takes to be your best. You have all the tools to become better. We already possess everything we need to create our own happiness and meaning.
No matter where you are in life. No matter what you've been through. No matter what circumstances you face. God is good. God comforts. God heals. God restores. God is always with u and God deeply loves us. If God is truly the highest good, should we not then devote our entire lives to pursuing and seeking God in our life?
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