#MarriageMonday I find it fascinating how impactful it can be to say something kind about one another. There’s nothing like a kind compliment or a kind person to completely set a positive tone for the day. It reminds me of that verse in 1 Corinthians 13:1, “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.” When I step back and think about it, some of my closest friendships and relationships are based on the simple principle of kindness. Specifically, when it comes to my marriage, I find that true love is often practicing kindness in the midst of challenging times and circumstances. A small compliment here, an encouraging word there... the power of kindness has the ability to recapture the genuine and authentic love that Judah and I have for each other. Ever since the kids have been going to school, we have a Smith family saying that we tell our kids every day before they leave the car. “Zion, Elliott, Grace.. we are kind and encouraging and we look for lonely people.” Such a simple reminder to our kids to practice kindness. Our lives are too short to live angry and bitter — kindness is easier than we think. Set the tone of kindness in your relationships, be the person you want to fall in love with and respect. At the end of the day, I want to be able to look back on my life and identify times when I practice kindness and represent Jesus, the kindest person to ever walk the Earth.