14 Day Challenge, Day 14: Thru God's Eyes

Today's challenge: See everybody you talk to through God's eyes. I tried to do that today. This whole two-week challenge has been about that, and it included seeing myself through God's eyes. Having this perspective is how we can develop charity and love for those around us. See others the way they can be, and it will be easier for them to achieve that potential.

I don't feel that I have changed dramatically during this 14-day challenge, but it has allowed me to become aware of the weak spots in the way I feel about and act towards other people. Self-awareness is half the battle, and I will spend the rest of the month trying to work on the weak spots I've noticed.

I am grateful for the challenge to focus on developing love for others for the first two weeks of February.

Also, Happy Valentine's Day!

14 Day Challenge, Day 13: Offer Up A Genuine Compliment

This was another easy one for me, especially since I had a very good day. I offered genuine compliments to people who served me with cooking, conversation, kindness, working at various shops and restaurants, and several other things. My day was positively impacted by many people, and I expressed my appreciation to them for that. How many times have I not noticed these small, positive impacts? Today's challenge made me more aware of this today.

I am grateful for the challenge to offer more sincere compliments.

14 Day Challenge, Day 12: What You Have In Common

Today's challenge was to focus on what you have in common with everybody you meet. I met a lot of new people today at a fun activity tonight, and I noticed how much more understanding and appreciative and respectful wad toward others when I viewed them as true children of God, and as brothers and sisters in the human race. I felt so grateful today to be acquainted with many good brothers and sisters. :)

I am grateful for the chance to focus on the good things that I have in common with the people I see, meet, and know.

14 Day Challenge, Day 11: Thank Someone

This challenge wasn't so hard for me, since I've been making it a habit to sincerely say "thank you" as often as I can. But, there was one time today when I said it when I normally wouldn't have.

In one of my classes today, the professor wasn't there to teach the class, so she had one of her assistants teach today's lecture. The assistant began by explaining the professor's absence and then went on with the lecture. She seemed nervous, but she did pretty well. She clearly felt that she couldn't yet measure up to the amazing and inspiring person who normally teaches this class. By the time class was over, I had this thought come to my head, "That assistant would probably appreciate personal gratitude for her good, honest efforts." So before I left the classroom, I approached the assistant and thanked her for her efforts in teaching today. I did think she did a good job covering and explaining the material, and I told her so as I shook her hand. Then I left, knowing I had done a little more good for someone else.

I am grateful for the challenge to look for someone to thank.

14 Day Challenge, Day 10: Speak Kindly

Today's challenge was to speak kindly. Today was a trying day for me because I needed to get up at 5:30am and I've been up until about midnight, with just an hour nap somewhere in there. But, when a friend talked to me about a recent exam they took (with less success than they hoped for), I listened and gave kind, encouraging words.

I am grateful for the reminder to speak kindly, no matter how you yourself may actually feel.

14 Day Challenge, Day 9: Really Listening (and my sister's home!)

Today's challenge was to spend ten minutes really listening to someone. Looking back on my day, I don't think I actually did that. I consider myself a kind, loving person, but I realize it is easy for me to tune out if I'm not interested in a conversation or an activity. If anything, this challenge has made me more aware of this weakness of mine.

However, I did get to speak with my family over the phone for more than ten minutes. My sister returned from her full-time mission in Argentina! It was great to get to talk to her again. Now, everyone in my immediate family, parents and children, has served a full-time mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. That is a great blessing and accomplishment.

More than anything today, I am grateful my sister was able to travel safely and receive an honorable release from her 18-month full-time mission.

14 Day Challenge, Day 8: Showing Mercy

How do I show mercy to someone? It's not like anyone owes me money or wants me to spare them punishment or something.

I guess a small way to be merciful is to turn off some of the lights and close the bedroom door so my roommate can sleep more soundly. I often go to sleep later than he does, and he has told me he didn't mind the light. But, I can do my part as well by not staying up as late as I sometimes do. So, I will close down now and get some shut-eye.

I am grateful for a small reminder of day to day mercy (the kind that I can show to others, as well as the kind that God and Christ have for me each day).