In a world tense with anger and division, how can we preserve our sense of well-being and inject a little more kindness into our daily interactions?
Pastor Jill J. Duffield finds an answer in the apostle Paul’s guidance in Philippians 4:8: "Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things."
Thinking about, looking for, appreciating these eight things can reorient our hearts and minds in ways that nurture compassion for ourselves, those in need, and those with whom we are inclined to disagree. Duffield leads the way with stories and insights that will transform your outlook on the world—and maybe even the world itself.
With eight chapters of six reflections each, Appreciate These Things can serve as a daily devotional, an eight-week group study, or an accessible, inspirational individual read.
Jill J. Duffield is the Senior Minister of First Presbyterian Church in Greensboro, North Carolina, and formerly served as the editor of The Presbyterian Outlook. She holds an MDiv from Union Presbyterian Seminary and a DMin from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary. She is the author of Advent in Plain Sight: A Devotion through Ten Objects and Lent in Plain Sight: A Devotion through Ten Objects.