This past weekend carried one of those quiet, full-circle moments that settled in my chest long after it was over. 

I had the privilege of watching my youngest son compete in his final Woodsmen events before he graduates from college on Mother’s Day weekend. There was something grounding about standing on the sidelines and witnessing the culmination of his late-night practices, weathered hands, and quiet determination taking shape in real time. It was not just a competition; it was the closing of a chapter.

The 10-hour drive and 40-degree temperature drop on Saturday was worth every degree of discomfort. Standing alongside other families, layered in winter clothes, moving between watching their child compete, cheering on teammates, and handing out baked goods felt like part of the official team strategy. And in a way, it was.

Support has its own language; sometimes it sounds like cheering, and sometimes it looks like showing up with something warm to share when the world feels cold...

How do we develop a genuine love for ourselves and others in this fast-paced world, surrounded by constant comparisons, negativity, and bad behavior?

God mentions love over 600 times in the Bible. Yet, it can still be hard to love.

A critical aspect of cultivating love is surrounding ourselves with a supportive community that reflects and encourages these values.

Navigating relationships with those who may resist, reject , or take advantage of our love is challenging. But we can still choose forgiveness and maintain our love through kindness, just as Christ has taught us. This practice is a profound demonstration of love's resilience and transformative power.

Offering forgiveness to those who have felt undeserving of love has been a stumbling block for me in recent months. Even though I know better, I've let my hurt interfere with healing. 

But choosing forgiveness ultimately frees you from the burden of anger, resentment, and bitterness that can consume your life when you hold...