Let It Go
Let It Go
Slander no one . . . be peaceable and considerate, and always . . . gentle toward everyone.
Titus 3:2, NIV
My husband and I took in around twenty children over the six years we provided foster care through our county. Most of the kids we took in were part of sibling groups, ranging in age from six months to seventeen years old.
When each child or sibling group came into our home, it was important for us to help them feel welcomed and comfortable as quickly as possible. To do this, we’d carefully help them go through their things, putting everything away in their rooms and never washing anything unless the kids asked me to. Scents can be very comforting, and we wanted them to be surrounded by familiar smells and objects. We’d also take them shopping for new clothes and shoes, and we’d always let them pick out one new toy or other item that they wanted.
We tried to listen a lot during those first days and weeks, and be sensitive to what would best help each child to adjust to their new environment. Although we were careful to set limits and safe boundaries with the kids, we never tried to change or correct behaviors in a way that would overwhelm them, especially in the beginning. We’d slowly teach them that certain things, like using vulgar language, weren’t allowed in our home.
In our culture, being considerate of others is a bit of a lost art. It seems that people are not only easily offended but also quick to tell others when they are in the wrong. Sometimes this may be appropriate, but as Christians we should also be gracious to others, considering the person’s circumstances or background and showing them kindness. Scripture tells us that we are to be peaceable, considerate, and gentle. We honor God when we are quick to love and let go of offenses rather than calling out others’ faults or annoying habits.
— Today’s Act of Kindness —
Choose to extend kindness to someone in your life who annoys you or rubs you the wrong way.
From the book
