Just be nice. And grateful. And loving. Is it really too much to ask?

Last night, I thought I had it figured out. My expectations of others is too high. And I'm easily disappointed. I still believe there is great truth in that. Possibly a personality flaw?

However, I think there is more to it. Ultimately, I think I am saddened by the state of humanity. I am fully aware that we live in a fallen world that is full of sin and darkness and evil and yuck. We see it every day. But I guess there is a part of me that just wanted to believe that people are "better" than that. That in general, we WANT to be kind, grateful, happy, honest, loving. That we want to build each other up.

That is not the case.

And it really shouldn't surprise me.

Honestly? I've disappointed many. I've hurt many. I've been unkind. Unfair. And maybe just plain mean. But I don't believe that is who I am. I think I'm a human that has made grievous errors in life. I think I truly am trying to rise above all of that. To choose joy. To choose to make others happy. To make a positive influence on those around me. Well…. that's who I WANT to be.

For me personally….as a follower of Christ…I truly have ultimate joy. What I believe and who I believe in gives me hope for tomorrow…strength to face trials…a grateful heart...and love. Not...when I feel like it love. Not...when they love me first love. But all the time. Why? Because He loved me first. Pretty straightforward. So I guess I'm MOST disappointed by those who profess to share the same beliefs with me but don't act accordingly.

But what about humanity as a whole? What if we all took time to…

• give more hugs.
• say thank you and mean it.
• go out of our way to give compliments.
• give more. take less.
• listen more. speak less.
• hold hands more.
• choose joy.
• lift people up.
• pet more dogs.
• let it go.
• change our tone.
• be friendly.
• don't assume.
• smile.
• laugh.
• be silly.
• enjoy the sunrise.
• look people in the eye.
• volunteer our time…not just give our money.
• lower our expectations of others.
• be grateful. be grateful. be grateful.
• be less judgmental.
• speak kindness.
• give. give. give.

Those are just my ramblings. Quick. Off the top of my head. Things that I need to work on. Good grief I need so much work.

There will always be ugly in the world. Pain. Suffering. Hate.

We don't have to be a part of it.

We don't always have to try to be first. Striving to get ahead.

Someone behind you might need a hand.

Trust me…that reach behind you will give you more joy than any success or money or title or accolade will ever bring.

People matter.

You matter.

Here is to impacting humanity. Because we can.

Talk back to me. I'd love to know your thoughts.

Thanks for reading….

xoxoxoxo

lisa