Sunday, February 21, 2010

My dearest God,

Yesterday I ran errands. Walking through WalMart I noticed a little girl happily doing jumping jacks in the aisle. I saw a worker tease an off-duty worker. I observed a man and woman discuss an issue, make a decision and then he said, "Oh hell, let's just do it!" Putting his arm around the woman they walked away smiling. For the rest of the morning I just paid attention to people. I witnessed people helping people. Although I was already in a good mood myself, I thought of how our public behavior can give a lift to those who are downtrodden, depressed and sad. I smiled as I walked out the door.

More and more I realize we have a responsibility to one another. If I have joy today, then I need to share it with those around me. If I experience wonderment one day, I need to be allow some of it to shake off on someone else. If I feel grateful, I need to give gratitude to those who I come in contact with like a clerk who serves me or someone who gives way to me. In other words throughout the day, I need to thank people.

If I allowed myself to be positively influenced by my neighbor or I decided to positively influence others, I would engage more with my neighbors, those strangers I daily encounter. My word of hope or theirs could save a life or give special meaning to a hard day. One positive person in a sea of negativity could change the day for someone, even myself.

You are
the source
of good
in the world,
Great Creator.
All day long
you create
beauty, goodness,
faith, love,
courage and hope.
You give
it away
to all
your children.
One person
may receive
more than another
but all
the more beautiful
because one
who has
received so much
can give
to someone
who did not.
Your circle
of love
is never ending,
Gracious God.

As always, Andrea