Plenty Good Room

Kindness and generosity mixed with hope and the will to survive is vital in order to sustain healthy neighborhoods. It is time consuming and sometimes burdensome to be concerned about the wellbeing of a neighbor. Yet it is necessary. Otherwise, we lull ourselves into a constant state of indifference. When we are intentional about interacting and engaging with one another we plant seeds of goodwill. Opportunities to be kind and generous will present themselves. Strangers just might be able to tolerate listening to opposing viewpoints in the absence of anger and a need to respond in a defensive and crude manner.

Early on in ministry training I was introduced to the theology of "a glass of water." My instructor advised that when faced with a heated conversation or the potential for one, sip an entire glass of water before responding. By the time you finish drinking, you will have soothed yourself to the point your response will be civil and noted.

In everyday life there is plenty good room for kindness and generosity mixed with hope. I'm all in. You?

Proverbs 21:21 Be kind and honest and you will live a long life; others will respect you and treat you fairly. [Good News Translation]

Proverbs 11:23 What good people want brings more good. What evil people want brings more trouble. [Easy to Read Translation]