Dear Friend,

You know that saying, “The right thing to do is always the hardest thing to do”? I used to nod at that like it was a cute inspirational quote you’d see on a coffee mug. Then life said, “Oh really? Let’s test that.”

When I finally paid off my credit card debt, I felt like I had just crossed the Red Sea on dry land. Freedom. Victory. Cue the choir. And then… a few hundred extra dollars sat in my account whispering sweet little temptations.

Now technically, I still owed on something else. Sensible Me said, “Pay it down.”
Other Me said, “But have you seen those heels? They look like responsibility with a red sole.”

Isn’t that how it goes? We convince ourselves we’ll “get to it.” Not today. Soon. Eventually. After this one small reward for being so responsible. The right thing to do isn’t confusing. It’s just inconvenient.

And it’s not just money.

It’s that uncomfortable conversation with your spouse about spending… or tone… or whatever that thing is you both keep politely stepping over like it’s not in the middle of the room. You tell yourself, “What’s the real harm?” But there is danger in silence. There’s danger in pretending not to see what you clearly see. Avoiding tension feels easier in the moment, but unresolved truth collects interest too.

If I’m honest, the hardest thing I’ve had to do isn’t paying debt or having hard conversations. It’s looking in the mirror and telling myself the truth.

Blaming someone else? Effortless.
Self-reflection? A full-contact sport.

There have been so many moments where I had to stop and ask, “What is the right thing to do here?” And not in a dramatic, lightning-bolt-from-heaven way. Just in the small, daily choices. The tone I use. The words I let fly when I’m irritated. The promises I make to myself.

Oh! Speaking of words — remember when I said I was going to stop cursing so much? That week was wild. It was like every person who specialized in getting under my skin was assigned to me personally. I slipped. A few “colorful expressions” made guest appearances. Did I feel good about it? Not even a little. I had to start over.

That’s when I realized growth isn’t about never messing up. It’s about being honest enough to reset without making excuses.

I had to start asking better questions:
Why is this person bothering me so much?
Is their behavior actually triggering something in me?
Is this irritation a mirror?

And let me tell you — sometimes the mirror is not flattering.

But here’s the beautiful part. Scripture doesn’t leave us guessing about this inner work.

“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me and lead me in the way everlasting.” — Psalm 139:23

So, now you know what to pray for this evening, it’s the right thing to do.

You are welcome.

From your Friend, It’s me Lorie