what are you wearing today?

there are so many outfits on pinterest that i could see myself wearing. and these are just a small few.

but if i'm honest, the one true outfit i want to wear more than anything is something you can't physically see.

remember i told you i was going to be studying "love as a way of life" in this post. the first characteristic that is discussed is kindness.

in this section of the study dr. chapman tells a story about one of the kindest men he'd ever met. the man explains how each day he wears a coat of kindness: every morning i put on my glasses, my pants and shirt, my jacket and my cap. then i picture myself putting on the overcoat of kindness. i wrap it all around me and pray i will touch people through my kindness today.

he puts on kindness like it's part of his outfit...hmmm. so, in the same way i wouldn't remove the necklace from a very cute ensemble or ditch my fierce high heels in the middle of a dinner party, when kindness becomes part of my outfit everyday, it also becomes part of who i am.

there are times for me, when this is the easiest trait to demonstrate...and then other times, not so much.

when i'm interacting with elderly patients or children at work....easy

when i'm watching my neighbor, mr. nebbercracker ...remember the old man from the movie "monster house" well that's what my boys call our neighbor...anyway, when i'm watching him let his dog poop in my yard and then turn around and  yell at my boys as they go through the woods behind his....kindness is h.a.r.d!

but i want to demonstrate the most authentic form of kindness. i want to show it regardless of how others treat me.

so this will be the scripture i pray.

therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. forgive as the Lord forgave you.

colossians 3: 12-13

he has forgiven me for so much. he has blessed me with more than i deserve. how can i not let his love and kindness show through me to everyone i come in contact with.

i hope you'll walk alongside me and do the same!