We all have those days when the best parts of us are hidden from those we love. We say things we don’t intend. We are harsh and unkind. There may have been such an incident in our house, recently. I spent many hours afterwards coming up with changes others needed to make in their behavior. I was doing a great job at focusing on other’s flaws. I want to change them. I want God to change them, but I should be inviting God to change me.

One of the hardest lessons for me to learn is that I can’t change others, but changing me can have a great impact on others. The more I grow in kindness, compassion and love for others the greater the impact I can have for positive change in others. Bringing compassion to a difficult conversation can diffuse it.

Taking time to look at my own reactions, words and emotions is difficult. It forces me to see my own flaws and failings. It doesn’t feel good. It feels like a mountain to climb, but God uses those moments to form us into His likeness, to show us  how to turn from old ways and grow in Him.

Take good counsel and accept correction— that’s the way to live wisely and well. (Proverbs 19:20 MSG).

^16-18 Whenever, though, they turn to face God as Moses did, God removes the veil and there they are—face-to-face! They suddenly recognize that God is a living, personal presence, not a piece of chiseled stone. And when God is personally present, a living Spirit, that old, constricting legislation is recognized as obsolete. We’re free of it! All of us! Nothing between us and God, our faces shining with the brightness of his face. And so we are transfigured much like the Messiah, our lives gradually becoming brighter and more beautiful as God enters our lives and we become like him. (2 Corinthians 3:16-18 MSG).

Changes in me have had an impact on others. When one person stays positive or kind, it is easier for others to follow suit. A life with Christ is more than eternity. It’s the opportunity to be transformed today. Change me, Lord is my new mantra. I want to be transformed. I want to love more. I want to show compassion more. Okay, there is still a part of me that wants others to change. I really just want everyone to experience transformation.

Are you willing to say to God, “Change Me?” Are you ready for transformation? Share your experience here and breathe life and bring hope to others.