What do you see? Do you see the good in me? Are you able to see the good in others? I recently attended a support group for abuse overcomers, and the guest speakers gifted each participant with a special journal. Our "homework" assignment was to write on one page the good we see in ourselves; and on the other page to write the good we see in others, and to make it a point to share appreciation to the other person for their good qualities.
Today, I read Proverbs 21:21 and I was reminded of this concept but from the Scriptures. In Proverbs 21:21 God states, "He who follows righteousness and mercy finds life, righteousness, and honor."
Then, I began wondering, "what does righteousness mean" and I looked it up online; the words like "goodness" and virtue, decency, and integrity popped up, as well as honesty, morality, honor, and noble, worthiness. Righteousness was defined as "the quality of being morally right or justifiable." So, to me, righteousness could be defined as "being honorable and noble, or a sense of goodness attached to something/someone."
Reading this verse reminded me of the goodness in me and the goodness in you exercise that we were invited to do. Today, I will share a few of the observations I made without disclosing their real names.
As an abuse overcomer, I face challenges that are related to the trauma witnessed and/or endured on a regular basis; therefore, that makes me a courageous person. Therefore, one good, positive quality about myself is that I am a courageous person. Another good, positive quality about myself is that I have a pretty smile. An adult person told this to me in my youth, and it has stuck with me even to this day. I have the kind of smile that brightens anyone's day; the entire room. I can appreciate these two examples of good qualities in myself, as well as seek to use them for helping others.
One of the volunteers at our support group took a special interest in me and my story. She gave me her thoughtful questions, her listening ears, being friendly, kind, and affirming towards me. I really appreciated her reaching out to me, and in taking time out for me!
Another example of the good I've seen in others is the person who hired me at my new job. She's been taking the time to train me in my new position, and has been showing me a lot of patience as I learn new things and demonstrate effort. I really appreciate that she hired me, and that she is showing me the ropes so to speak, in my new position. I have verbally expressed this to her on at least two occasions; and, a hand-written note of gratitude has also crossed my mind.
So, these were only two examples of the good I see in me, and the good I've seen in others. Of course, I could write more. But, for the purpose of this article, I chose to keep it simple. Today, I challenge you to consider the good in you, and the good in others. What do you see? Are you able to see the good in you? Are you willing to see the good in others? No matter where you find yourself in life today, there is good to be seen; just ask God for the eyes to see it.
