A few months ago, I heard something that stuck with me.

I was watching a guy on YouTube who goes around doing things for people—acts of service, completely free, no strings attached. And when people try to pay him or give something back, he usually says, “Just pay it forward.” But a couple of times, he paused and said something different...

I’ve had a few situations lately where I really wanted to defend myself… like, not just calmly explain, but jump up and say, “That’s not even close to true.” And, since I’m always honest with you, part of me doesn’t just want to set the record straight… I want people to realize how ridiculous it all is. I want instant redemption.

But I've started thinking… if someone came at me like that... all loud and emotional, telling me I’m wrong... would that actually change my mind? Probably not. I’d shut down. Or get defensive. Or just think, “Wow… ooookaaaay.” (This has happened before and it didn’t exactly make me see their side.)

That mini epiphany has me rethinking something else...

There was a time when I felt like I should have an opinion about just about everything. If something was being debated, I figured I probably ought to know where I stood on it.

Somewhere along the way, that expectation quietly faded. Now when I see a headline, a debate, or a heated conversation online, I don’t automatically feel the urge to weigh in anymore...

The other day I opened the cabinet to grab a bowl for dinner and noticed something I’ve apparently been ignoring for years. Right over there in my china compared are the "special" ones — the pretty bowls and plates that are part of a set of dishes my grandparents gave me. And without even thinking about it, I always grab one of the plain, practical bowls to use every day.

That’s when the question hit me...

I’m still under the covers. Eyes mostly closed. Brain not fully online yet. And I’ve got the Dwell app playing — daily Scripture and a short lesson.

It’s the easiest win of my whole day.