Category: faith

Soften The Heart #33 : Children Are a Gift — Even When Our Childhood Didn’t Feel Like One

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“Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from Him.”

Psalm 127:3

Children are one of the clearest pictures of God’s heart. Their curiosity, honesty, wonder, and purity remind us of what truly matters. Scripture tells us that children are a gift — not because of what they do, but because of who they are: reflections of God’s creativity and love.

As parents, this verse reminds us to slow down and cherish our kids, to remember that they’re not burdens or interruptions but blessings entrusted to us. They bring joy, purpose, and a fresh view of the world.

But for many adults, this verse can stir something deeper.

Not everyone grew up feeling protected, valued, or cherished. Some people carry wounds from a childhood where they were mistreated, overlooked, or harmed. And hearing “children are a gift” can feel confusing — even painful.

So if that’s you, here’s something important to know:

**God’s intention for children was always good.

Your pain was never His plan.**

When the Bible calls children a gift, it is describing how God sees them — not how every human treats them. Some adults act out of their own brokenness, and their choices leave deep marks on innocent hearts. But your mistreatment was never a reflection of your worth. You were always precious. You were always a gift. Someone else simply failed to honor what God created.

And God grieves with you.

He is “close to the brokenhearted” (Psalm 34:18) and fiercely protective of the vulnerable. Jesus Himself said it would be better for a person to be thrown into the sea than to harm a child (Matthew 18:6). That means He saw you. He cared. He never agreed with what was done to you.

The good news?

God restores what was wounded.

He heals the childhood parts of us that were hurt, silenced, or forgotten. And He gently rebuilds what was broken — identity, trust, safety, and hope.

So whether you grew up cherished or neglected, this verse has a message for you:

Cherish the children in your life today — including the child you once were.

Let today be a reminder to love your kids with intention and tenderness…

but also to let God love and restore the parts of you that didn’t receive that same tenderness growing up.

Children are a gift.

And that includes you — the child you used to be, and the person you are becoming.

Each Day Is A Day Worth Celebrating

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From the moment we are born, the aging process begins. It’s a bit like a piece of fruit, picked from the tree. Once detached from its life source, the fruit starts to age. You can try to preserve it, slow it down, but the end result will be the same. Similarly, once we’re cut from the umbilical cord, we’re on our own journey.

I actually had this thought one day while washing dishes, just staring at our orange tree through the window. It hit me: we’re not all that different from a piece of fruit!

We age every day, knowing the final destination but often shying away from thinking about it. Instead, we distract ourselves, sometimes missing what it means to be truly alive.

But this knowledge is actually a gift. Knowing that life is finite is what gives each day its value. Rather than letting distractions or dark times pull us away from fully experiencing it, let’s see each day for what it is—an opportunity, a miracle in itself. Celebrate in some way, every day. Notice the small wonders around you. And by embracing this outlook, we can help others find the freedom to enjoy their lives too.

A Tree Doesn’t Grow Tall Overnight

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A few years ago, I became fixated on our front yard and started landscaping little by little, doing what I could. I remember transporting rocks from one area to the next—it was tedious, to say the least. As I was shoveling, a thought came to me: “A tree doesn’t grow tall overnight.” We have to be patient with whatever we’re building or growing.

In this fast-paced world, we often get frustrated if we don’t see results right away. But what I’m learning is that there’s a unique beauty in each stage of the process that no other stage can offer. So, instead of focusing solely on the final outcome, I’ve started to pause and recognize what’s in front of me. Because once this stage is complete, it’s gone.

Enjoy the process. Be grateful for the struggle. Push through, knowing that the fruits of your labor will be that much sweeter. While there’s wisdom in “keeping your eye on the prize,” I’ve come to realize that if my mind is always on “the reward,” I might miss some really beautiful moments and unexpected opportunities along the way.

As we move through each stage, let’s all try to take a moment to appreciate where we are, even if it’s not where we ultimately want to be. We all can pause, breathe, and remind ourselves that growth takes time. If we can look for the small victories, the lessons, and the beauty in each step, then no part of the journey will feel wasted. So let’s trust the process and, together, enjoy the journey to wherever we’re headed.

Lending A Helping Hand Is Never Time Wasted

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Sometimes, when we’re helping with something, whatever it may be, it can feel tedious, even thankless.

We wonder if our efforts are making any difference. In our hearts, we know we’re trying to do what’s right, but without seeing the impact of our good works, we start to question if these small acts are even worth it.

But here’s the truth: helping in any way is never time wasted. Every small gesture leaves a ripple.

Think of the people who have helped you.

You may never fully see its reach, but each act of kindness, no matter how small, is a thread in the larger fabric of goodness and compassion.

“

A single thread in a tapestry
Though its color brightly shines
Can never see its purpose
In the pattern of the grand design
And the stone that sits on the very top

Of the mountains mighty face
Does it think it’s more important
Than the stones that form the base?

So how can you see what your life is worth
Or where your value lies?
You can never see through the eyes of man
You must look at your life
Look at your life through heaven’s eyes

“

Song lyrics from “Through Heavens Eyes”

Who You See on the Outside Is Only a Fragment of Who They Are Inside

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One of my favorite quotes from The Little Prince is, “…what is essential is invisible to the eye.” It reminds me how easy it is to assume we know someone’s story based on what we see, but in reality, we often know so little about the depths within them.

Each of us is like a book, with chapters that remain unread until someone curious enough comes along to open our pages. There’s no space for judgment when we truly think about it. Every appearance, lifestyle, and action holds a story, and we see only the surface.

Before we categorize or make assumptions, let’s try to understand. Let’s give grace where it’s needed. Remember, others know only fragments of you, just as you see only fragments of them.

Don’t Lock Up Your Inner Child

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Sometimes “becoming a grown-up” makes us a little too serious. We tend to overthink things, replay unnecessary scenarios, and censor ourselves. I look at my children—they say what’s on their minds, do what they feel, wear what they want, and laugh every day with little concern for what the rest of the world thinks. There’s a freedom in their joy that reminds me of what it feels like to be fully present and unburdened.

When we get too caught up in the grown-up lifestyle, that inner child can get lost, often without us even realizing we’ve locked that part of ourselves away. But it’s important to keep that side alive, to let it out and have fun. So ask yourself: what did you enjoy as a child? Let those answers guide you in reconnecting with that playful, authentic part of you.

Today, give yourself permission to embrace a little bit of that freedom. Laugh at something silly, try something new, or revisit a simple joy from when you were young. Releasing your inner child can bring a lightness that balances the weight of adulthood, reminding you that fun and spontaneity are just as important as responsibility.

One Man’s Curse Is Another Man’s Blessing

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When things are rough, when life doesn’t make sense, and when pain or confusion takes hold, it’s easy to feel consumed by negative emotions. In those moments, remember that what may feel like a burden to you could be a blessing to someone else. Others might be willing, even eager, to carry your weight if given the choice. Recognizing that others face their own struggles can help us reframe our “curses” as blessings. It can bring a sense of inner peace, helping us see that, no matter what, we are blessed in ways we might often overlook.

It’s about shifting your perspective. Sometimes, the hardest parts of life are simply waiting for us to see them differently. By viewing our burdens through a new lens, we can begin to uncover hidden blessings. Even if life feels heavy, this shift can help us find a sense of gratitude, reminding us that growth often comes from what we least expect.

I know it’s not always easy to see the blessings when life feels heavy, but that’s why the saying, “count your blessings,” is so powerful. Today, take a moment to reflect on and appreciate all that you have. I’m praying that the weight you carry becomes lighter with each day.

Love Is A Choice – Choose To Love

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Try this: whatever in your life brings up fear or anxiety, choose to love it. Anything that stirs anger? Choose love. Love isn’t just a feeling; it’s an action, and it’s a choice we have the power to make every day. The ability to love more deeply is a seed within us, and it’s one that needs nurturing.

When something frustrates or upsets you, pause, take a breath, and say, “I love you.” Don’t let stress or anger have power over you. Every person and every experience around us could use a little more love.

Instead of pushing away “it”, whatever it may be (we all have things, situations, or even people that we find challenging to love) because of the negative emotions it brings, challenge yourself to love it.

For example, imagine you just stubbed your toe on the door. (We all know how much that hurts!) Instead of cursing the door, acknowledge it with a twist: “That hurt, but I still love you, door, because you keep my family safe and give us privacy.” It may seem small, but this practice strengthens the habit of choosing love in frustrating moments. If you can learn to love something as simple as a door that caused you pain, think of how far that love can extend to the bigger challenges in life.

Some days, you’ll succeed; other days, you’ll struggle. But don’t give up, love really is the answer. I know, because I have my own struggles with this practice.

There have been moments when my children have sparked this kind of anger I didn’t even know I had, and I have to literally step back to figure out where it’s coming from.

I had to choose love.

Over time, we evolve and improve, and for that, we can be grateful for.

Love is more than a feeling, it’s a choice. Imagine a world of choose to love.

Change Starts With You

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We don’t have control over others, though we can inspire, encourage, motivate, support, and help them. But ultimately, any change has to come from within that person. There’s a quote, “be the change you wish to see in the world,” which reminds me that while we can’t make people change, we can be an example. We can light a path for those who may be in the dark and needing guidance. We can share our difficult experiences to help others avoid the same pain or share our joys to uplift and strengthen.

Each of us has choices in life, and sometimes making the right one is challenging, even frightening. It takes real courage to look within and recognize where change might be needed. We’re human, imperfect, which is why we need more grace and compassion. Everyone carries invisible weight, and when we get frustrated by someone’s actions, it’s worth considering that poor choices might be cries for help or signs of misunderstanding.

Imagine if those who are struggling had more people listening to their stories rather than pointing out their flaws, might they be different? Change is possible, but it starts within each of us.

To See More Clear, Is To Listen

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Pay attention to everything. Everything around you holds a voice, each with a story it longs to tell.

Listen deeply. Seek out the story in all things. Ask questions, pray, ponder, and meditate. The clarity you find will be surprising; even things you never noticed as unclear may come into sharper focus.

As you evolve and develop, understanding grows too—illuminating the past and offering glimpses into the future. But true sight isn’t achieved alone.

Seek, and you shall find; knock, and the door will be opened. God stands ready, always waiting for your call.

May I add to not be afraid of the answers that come your way. Trust that each revelation is here to liberate you, peeling back layers of uncertainty to reveal a hidden, beautifully defined path. Waiting…..just for you.

Every answer you uncover is a step toward clarity, helping you to see beyond the noise and confusion.

Let go of fear and allow the truth to guide you, knowing that, with each insight, you’re stepping closer to the person you are meant to be and the purpose you are here to fulfill.