Scripture: "But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me." 2 Corinthians 12:9

Reflection: I remember learning a valuable lesson, years ago, early in my marriage. During a difficult season with my new husband, I was skilled in the art of nitpicking. I was quick to criticize and comment on even the smallest offenses. I so clearly remember during prayer the Lord speaking to my heart. He said, "Sarah, you've got to notice differently!" What the Lord was saying to me was that when we actively look for the good, we notice it more and more. Instead of noticing the things about my husband that were irritating me, I needed to purposely notice the things that I loved and admired about him. Basically, I needed to notice him through the eyes of grace. It was like a miracle in my marriage. I share this story with you today because this same lesson holds in every area of life. When we train ourselves to look for the good, we begin to notice differently. When we look for God's grace, we notice it more. When we look for the good in people, we begin to notice more good than bad. And, this truth applies to loving ourselves as well. When we look for, speak about, think about, the good, and extend ourselves grace, we begin to notice differently. If you're struggling to see the good in yourself today, remember, it is in those moments of weakness that the Lord is His most powerful. Pray and ask that the power to see yourself (and others) through the eyes of Christ and His amazing grace rests upon you today.

Prayer: Lord, I know that my thoughts determine my direction. When I think on good, I tend to experience more of it, and notice the good in my life. Conversely, when I'm focusing on my flaws or the flaws of others, they become magnified. Lord, will you be magnified in my life today? When I'm tempted to focus on my flaws, my struggles, even the condition of our world, will you pour your Spirit out upon me and cause me to notice differently? By your strength Lord, I choose to notice beauty and blessing today. In Jesus, name, I pray, amen.