Developing a Growth Mindset

This year has been a journey of growth, filled with blessings and challenges that have pushed me in many different ways. Through moments of hardship, loss, and sadness, I’ve seen God’s hand guiding and building me up. Looking back, I can see how every experience has shaped me, especially in my ministry and work with kids.

One of the biggest joys (and challenges) this year has been setting up and running Sunday School at a parish. When I first started, I jumped in with so much excitement and determination. I’ve always been the kind of person who, once I have an idea, feels like I have to see it through—sometimes stubbornly! But as I worked on bringing kids closer to Jesus and getting them engaged in their faith, I learned that being flexible and open to change is just as important as being passionate.

There were definitely times when my carefully thought-out plans didn’t land the way I’d hoped. Ideas I was so excited about didn’t get the response I expected. At first, it was frustrating. But those moments became opportunities to change my perspective. Instead of getting stuck on what didn’t work, I started brainstorming new ways to connect with the kids. Plan B, C, D…even J! It was actually kind of fun. I learned to roll with the difficult situations and see setbacks as opportunities to try something different.

Sunday School has honestly changed the way I look at challenges. Now, when something doesn’t work now, my mindset is, “Okay, that didn’t go as planned…so what’s next?” It’s made each session not just a learning experience for the kids but for me too.

When I think about lifelong learning, I’m reminded of a scene from Little House on the Prairie. Laura is starting school for the first time and doesn’t really want to go. She asks her Ma, “How long is this learning going to take?”—probably hoping the answer is just a few years. Her Ma replies, “We start learning the minute we’re born, Laura. And if we’re wise, we don’t stop until the Lord calls us home.” That line really stuck with me. I love the idea of always learning and growing. It’s exciting to think about how much I’ll learn in the next five years—even if some of it is tough. Every experience helps us grow.

This year, I’ve also had some tricky situations with people. At first, I saw them as setbacks, but now I’m so thankful for them because they’ve taught me a lot about myself and others. Not every relationship or connection is equal, and that’s okay. I’ve realized that even when I have the best intentions, I sometimes need to adjust my approach—whether that’s changing how I communicate or stepping back from something I’m passionate about so I don’t interfere with someone else’s plans. These moments have really helped me grow in empathy and understanding.

I’ve also noticed a big change in my attitude toward prayer. I’ve always been someone who loves jumping in to help and encourage others, but this year I’ve realized that not everyone may want or need my help. At first, I took this really personally. It felt like a huge setback. But as I thought more about it, I started to see things differently. Instead of feeling discouraged, I began praying for those people—that whatever they’re struggling with or need, God would provide. And I also pray for myself—that God would give me wisdom and grace to know the right time to step in and help. This shift has brought me so much peace and made me feel more connected to God and others.

This year has taught me that life is full of surprises. The path we plan to take may not be the one God puts us on. God may sometimes almost push us off to teach us something, positive or negative. Being open to change I believe lets us embrace unexpected gifts along the way and helps us grow in our faith with God. I’ve learned that even with the best intentions, I may need to rethink my approach—whether it’s finding new ways to communicate or adjusting plans to better fit the situation. These moments of adaptation have deepened my faith and helped me grow as a person.