Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Romans 12:2 NIV

We do not have to compare ourselves with others. God created each of us in His Own Image. Each person is important and valuable. Our relationship with God is where we need to concentrate our attention and focus our efforts.

A kiss, a hug, a smile, a tender touch, a joke, a soft laugh, a big full out belly laugh! A tear, a sob, a misunderstanding, a disagreement, an estrangement, a loss of friendship! All of these are moments in time, but they do not define us! How we deal with these moments is what defines us. We cannot take them for granted, but we must cherish the good times, look for the best in what happens to us, and learn from both the good and the bad.

As a young person, I let the smallest things upset me. I gradually learned that I was only hurting myself because I could not move on to better things if I allowed myself to wallow in the negativity and hurt feelings. In addition, if I felt someone else had wronged me, I was giving them permission to continue to have a hold on me. I learned it was easier on my emotions to forgive them and move on to other things.

Even as an older adult, there have been incidents involving deceptive acquaintances which almost turned my life into a major disaster. However, my faith in my Heavenly Father and the support of my precious family gave me reasons to hold my head high and continue my journey. Family and friends are absolutely important to living a healthy and full life! Just like watering plants and feeding our pets, it is vital that we nourish and cherish our relationships. However, the most important relationship that we must nurture is our relationship with Our Heavenly Father.

Please. Pray for me as I am praying for you.