Yesterday, Doug and I travelled into NYC to go to church. We arrived right at 11 am for the 11 am service. During the sermon, I saw a couple being seated by the usher along with their baby. I couldn’t believe how late it was in the service for them to just be arriving, so I glanced down at my watch and saw it was 11:25. In my head, I thought, ‘Why even bother.’

Yesterday, Doug and I travelled into NYC to go to church. We arrived right at 11 am for the 11 am service. During the sermon, I saw a couple being seated by the usher along with their baby (sounding familiar?) I couldn’t believe how late it was in the service for them to just be arriving. I looked over at the baby and thought, ‘I can’t even imagine how hard it was for you to get everyone dressed and make it to church—with a baby! Good for you for making this happen during the holidays! Late – schmate! You did it!’

Every day we get the opportunity to see things how we want to see them. We can judge people or not. We can give people the benefit of the doubt or not. We can choose to see the effort and intention behind their actions rather than the flaws and mistakes. Today, let’s choose grace over judgment and encouragement over criticism—because sometimes, just showing up is a win worth celebrating.

Let’s GO! WE GOT THIS!
Beth Fitzgerald