My “to do” list was longer than I felt capable of finishing in the time that I had for it.

In the middle of trying to accomplish items on my list, a text came in from a friend asking for some of my time. She was in crisis mode and needed someone to talk with.

I was tempted to say no, with everything of my own that I had to worry about, but the response I ended up typing out was inviting her over for the afternoon. We spent the evening talking and baking. Afterwards, though my “to do” list was no shorter, and I had less time for it, I actually had less worry and anxiety.

Proverbs 12:25 tells us that anxiety weighs our hearts down, while a kind word makes it glad. When we focus on anxiety and worry, we overwhelm ourselves. However, when we focus on kindness, it does a lot of good for us.

Kindness can make our hearts glad in many ways. Often I discover that extending kind words or a kind act towards others brings peace and gladness to my heart.

Though the things that worry us may not magically go away, we can choose what we focus on that will affect the state of our heart and mind.