One thing I have noticed is that I do not accept compliments well. If someone says something nice to me, I see it as an opportunity to share a piece of myself. I offer an explanation or tell a story. If a stranger likes my shoes, that person is not signing up for the story of how I received a gift card from my niece seven years ago, and I tried on every shoe in the extensive shoe department until I found one that fit, and then I bought a pair in every color. Sometimes, people just want to say something nice and get on with their day.
My response should be, "Thank you!"
I just can't help myself. I look for lasting connections, where there are none. I look for friendship from strangers, and I steal time from friends. Sometimes, a quick compliment or a good deed is all the time someone has to give. And yet, I want more. I have to remind myself that it is okay to let things go, to let things be, to let myself breathe.
Rejoice in the Lord always. Again, I say: Rejoice! Let your kindness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything but present your needs to God in prayer and petition, with thanksgiving. Then the peace of God, which is beyond all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phil 4: 4-7
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