Last week, I wrote about living a life worth imitating. Such a good sermon from church that day. I immediately felt convicted and wanted to do better.

I immediately focused on the “bad” things I’ve done, versus all the “good” things I should be proud of.

Anyone else do that?

If you haven’t already figured this out from previous posts, God’s timing is always accurate, and He has quite the sense of humor. In a counseling appointment yesterday, and I shared that sermon with my counselor, and we talked about the idea of living in a way that reflects Christ, and somewhere in the conversation I admitted that I wasn’t sure I had much to put on that list.

Maybe it’s because Words of Affirmation is my love language, or because I’ve always been my own toughest critic. Maybe it’s because seeing my own strengths feels a little too close to pride? Whatever the reason, I struggled to answer them on the spot.

That’s when she did something I wasn’t expecting. She started naming things she has observed about me over the last two years that are worth imitating!

“You go to church. You’re a good neighbor. You’re a good mom. You’re always willing to grow, and you’re always encouraging other people.”

As she spoke, I found myself wanting to dismiss every single one.

“Well, anyone would do that.”

“That’s not really a big deal.”

“I still have so far to go.”

Again, why do we do that to ourselves?

Before we closed our session, she gave me homework. She told me to make a list of the qualities in my own life that are worth imitating. It feels like one of the hardest assignments she’s ever given me. Not because I can’t think of anything, but because it feels a little uncomfortable talking about myself. However, this assignment is important!

How often do we focus so much on everything we’re not that we never stop to notice what God has been quietly building within us?

Not for our own applause, or so we can compare ourselves to anyone else, but so we can recognize His presence in our daily lives.

What would your list include? Maybe your generosity, or your patience with aging parents. Maybe you’ve become someone who forgives more quickly than you used to. Are you dependable and often make people feel seen. Maybe you’ve become the first person someone calls when they need prayer.

These things matter, and it’s important to capture them.

So here’s my challenge to you. Grab a notebook or open the Notes app on your phone. Start making your own list of reasons why someone would be proud to imitate. And if you struggle with this, ask someone who knows you well. You might be surprised by what they see. I know I was.

Maybe the point isn’t to convince ourselves that we’re extraordinary, rather than to recognize that God has been faithfully shaping us all along. How cool would it be if someone followed our example today and then they catch a glimpse of Him.

That’s a life worth imitating.

Love. Give. Live.