Respond Positively

Maybe it’s common for us to react emotionally when our expectations are not met and we’re left frustrated, but research shows that those who consciously choose to be positive in response to frustrating situations will develop the habit of a positive mindset.

Our TransformNation (TfN) students are experiencing stressful conditions in their dorms because of the pandemic. They need to adjust the way they study; they are worried about their families’ safety; they don’t know what will come next. But they’ve learned to respond positively with acts of generosity.

Last week they responded to the needs of a home for seniors’ that has been restricted from receiving any guests for two months. “Restrictions don’t mean that we stop being generous,” said Arti, a TfN mentor. “This is the time when we need to practice generosity to those in need.” But how do we practice generosity when we have so many limitations?

“When we are willing, God will make a way,” she said. With what they had in hand, the students started writing love letters for the seniors to encourage them. Along with the letters, they made pudding and created place mats decorated with cross-stitch. Even though they couldn’t visit in person, their acts of love and generosity could be felt from a distance.

“Each year, we challenge the students to do more and more in serving others. Starting from a simple thing like sharing food or giving advice to younger teenagers, they progress first serving others nearby in multicultural settings and then to serving in remote areas for several months,” said Arti. She hopes that these acts of generosity will become a positive habit when they serve children as teachers and mentors in challenging settings.

“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed” – Proverbs 11:25