In the fall of 2014, I had an idea. I would make a list of important things I wanted my children to know. Being a serious list-maker in general, this idea posed a fun and interesting challenge. Before I knew it, the list grew to over thirty items. Then, each day I posted a thought for them until they were all used up.
This week I’m branching off slightly from my regular devotional to share my “Thirty-three Days of Thoughts” in hopes that it might inspire you and your loved ones as well. Enjoy!
- Every day is a gift; enjoy the unwrapping.
- Dreams are the flight path to beautiful realities.
- Be merciful; you never know the mountains others have scaled.
- Whether insult or praise, linger briefly on what others say of you.
- A well-timed hug removes the need for words.
- Spend time with those you love, even when you have no time.
- Do what is right, even if no one else is.
- Finish what you start; it builds character.
- Be kind and expect nothing in return.
- Words are powerful; use them wisely.
- Nothing worth attaining is easy.
- Smile at passing strangers, especially children, teenagers, and the elderly – you make them feel less invisible.
- Respect yourself and others in word and deed.
- Be gracious to everyone whether they deserve it or not.
- Believe in miracles.
- Stop and smell the roses; literally and figuratively.
- Forgive AND bless your enemies.
- Try difficult things.
- There is no suitable substitute for hard work.
- Keep your word.
- Things need to be broken in order to be fixed.
- Joy can be found even amid the darkest days.
- Choose to be thankful; especially in trials.
- Be a faithful friend.
- Do good when no one is looking.
- Be honest, even if it hurts.
- Say I love you, often.
- Say I’m sorry when you are wrong.
- Listen more than you speak.
- Be slow to get angry and quick to forgive.
- Be polite.
- Be willing to go last.
- Put God first.
And one more thought written as a blessing over you:
May you measure your worth not so much by who you or others say you are but rather by Whose you are!
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- Pick one of the Thirty-three thoughts you think presents the most challenge to you and be mindful of it this week.
- Try a Thirty-three Day Challenge and each day incorporate a “thought” into your actions and responses that day.
I love all of these, but especially #8 “Finish what you start; it builds character.” I’m battling through that right now. I’m really good at helping other people finish their stuff, but I’ve usually done that at the expense of my own projects. This post provided some much needed encouragement for me today to keep going and continue to fight to finish what I’ve started. Thank you for sharing!
Hi Sarah, you’re so welcome! It makes me happy to think it helped! All the best with the projects you need to get to! You’re worth it!