For the past month, I’ve been traveling more than usual.
This means new places, late nights, and few rhythms. So I’ve fallen quite short of my personal spiritual expectations.
On one recent trip, I spent minimal intentional time with Jesus and even forgot my writing pad—a terrifying revelation I uncovered while unpacking in my hotel room. Then, upon my return, I was so tired that I slept in and had to go right to work after waking up. No time to read, pray, write, or walk early in the morning. A nightmare!
But I realized something.
Showing myself grace
In the past, this would have crushed me.
Or I would have crushed myself over this.
Not carving out intentional time with Jesus, not writing, and not living in my usual routines and rhythms would have brought intense frustration and judgment from myself.
But this time?
This time I’m doing something new.
I’m gifting myself with grace.
I’m taking a deep breath, enjoying some coffee, and not taking myself too seriously. I’m believing that God’s grace is greater than my failures, and his love isn’t dependent on the rigid rules I set up for myself.
I’m extending the same compassion, understanding, and grace to myself that I would offer to others.
For the first time in a long time, I’m taking the songwriter Andrew Peterson’s advice, “Be kind to yourself.”
Be kind to yourself
For many of us, it’s easier to be kind and understanding to others but ruthless with ourselves.
It’s easy to do and deeply destructive. But self-kindness is liberating.
Where can you show yourself grace?
Where can you be kind to yourself?
Where can you take a step back, take a breath, and look at ourself like Jesus does?
Gift yourself some grace. It’ll make everything better.