selfishness vs. encouragement...

Selfishness is a funny thing.

Not in the obviously hilarious, laughing until your sides hurt, "haha" kind of way.  What I mean is that it's funny how quickly selfishness can creep up on you.  Many times it crops up without you even realizing that it's happening.

I will be totally honest, I have been in a bad place in the last few weeks.  I didn't know why.  I didn't know how I got there.  I didn't know why I felt so angry all. the. time.

I spent a lot of time praying and by God's grace I realized that my biggest problem was that my focus was on myself.  When I am being selfish my judgment is clouded and I tend to find fault in everything and everyone.

I really thought I had this selfishness thing down by now.  The struggle is real!  I had let my guard down and let the selfishness crept back in.

I have found that the best way to stop thinking about myself is to transfer my thoughts to others.  When I am not consumed with self I actually think of others quite often.  I wonder what they are up to and how they are doing.  I pray for my friends and family whenever they pop into my head.

I also believe it is important to be an encouragement to other people.  It is actually really simple to encourage others.  It just takes a moment of your time and really, what is one moment of your time if it will brighten some one's day?

So, I might be out running errands and see something that reminds me of a friend.  I just send it to them with a little note letting them know that I was thinking of them.  Baking someone their favorite cookies just because you know they will enjoy them.  Picking up a few of your friend's favorite seasonal candy because they only get to savor them once a year.  Or sending a care package to a friend who is on bed rest and has two restless little ones at home.

It doesn't have to be outrageous or expensive to let someone know you care.  Just sending a quick text to let someone know you were thinking of them or praying for them can brighten some one's day.

You never know what someone might be going through.  Your kindness might make a friend feel less lonely.  Your thoughtfulness might just make their day.  One moment of your time might let someone know they aren't alone.

Hopefully, I can keep my thoughts off of myself and focus on loving others well instead.