Encouragement for Today
 | October 28, 2026 Care for Yourself |
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things” (Philippians 4:8, KJV).
In my early 20s, I married a young, strapping Amish man. I was not Amish, not even a little bit; big bangs and long, red acrylic nails were my jam. Together, D and I built an inn and a life in the rolling hills of Ohio’s Amish country.
For decades, welcoming people has been second nature to me. But recently, I’ve realized I consistently missed a vital part of it: Kindness toward ourselves is deeply connected to caring for others.
As believers, we rightly focus on caring for others as part of our calling. But somewhere along the way, I overlooked the importance of extending that same care to myself. I often rushed through events, and extending hospitality felt overwhelming. I panic-cleaned and felt frazzled by the time people entered our home.
That began to change when we downsized our lives, and I started creating a home that truly made my soul sing. I scoured thrift stores and antique shops for pieces that felt like old friends. I mixed colors I loved. I realized I wasn’t just decorating a house — I was making a place where I felt most like myself; I was taking care of important parts of me.
That simple shift awakened something new in me. My intentionality with myself cultivated confidence, warmth, and peace.
Can we serve others well while neglecting ourselves? Yes, and many of us do. But our care for others becomes richer and more genuine when it flows from a life tended with kindness.
There are a few ways I show myself kindness. Almost every morning I make my “frothy coffee,” topped with a sprinkle of chocolate. It’s a small, simple gesture to tell myself that I’m worth the kindness.
I’ve also cultivated little habits that reflect what I love and create a space that nourishes me: freshly vacuumed floors, a bowl of special candy on the counter, or antique linens on the table. When we enjoy being in our own homes, others feel that warmth too.
Maybe most importantly, I read or listen to things that inspire, encourage, and ground me. Filling ourselves with goodness waters the soil of our souls and helps us focus on the things listed in Philippians 4:8:
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”
Maybe showing kindness to yourself looks like a specialty tea in the evening, a brisk walk, or a warm bubble bath. Maybe your joy comes from a clean house before guests arrive or from candles lit and music playing softly. You, my friend, are worth the kindness too.
When we learn to care for our own hearts with kindness, that same warmth naturally spills over to everyone who walks through our front door.
Dear God, thank You for making me, ME! Help me care for my own heart and treat myself with the kindness that comes from You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
OUR FAVORITE THINGS
When we care for ourselves with kindness, our love and compassion for others becomes richer and more genuine. That’s why Proverbs 31 Ministries is honored to partner with Compassion International, which exists to release children from poverty in Jesus’ name through the generosity of sponsors like you and me. It’s a beautiful opportunity to share with children all over the world that they are God’s daughters and sons.
When you sponsor a child, you ensure access to quality education, medical checkups, healthy food, clean water, and most importantly, the good news of Jesus — all delivered through a church in their community. Compassion International is changing the lives of children. And that changes the lives of sponsors too.
Let’s do this together — the Proverbs 31 Ministries community changing the lives of children. Just click here to sponsor a child. When you become a sponsor, Compassion International will send you a copy of our study guide Keep Holding On: 30 Promises From God You Can Cling to Right Now as our thanks to you for investing in the life of a child.
ENGAGE
Follow Lee Ann Miller on Instagram @leeannmiller! You can find her recipes at LeeAnnMiller.net. She also co-hosts a podcast called These Are Good Days, celebrating everyday life.
FOR DEEPER STUDY
Romans 12:1-2, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (KJV).
Jeremiah 17:7-8, “Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit” (KJV).
How can you offer your everyday life to God as a living sacrifice? Share with us in the comments!
© 2026 by Lee Ann Miller. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries thanks Compassion for their sponsorship of today’s devotion.
Click here to view our policy on third-party links.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
P.O. Box 3189
Matthews, NC 28106
www.Proverbs31.org