Spaces of Goodness
This week marks 9 months of living in eastern Tennessee. 9 months of new sights ("Hello, trees!") and sounds (I awake every morning to the songs of birds), and 9 months of learning curves and magical moments.
Challenges have been pervasive. So have miracles. In spite of the hard, I have been recipient of unexpected gifts, moments of beauty and respite, and the goodness of others. If nothing else, this adventure of mine has proven spaces of goodness abound, even in the messes and the confusion and frustration. Goodness can prevail.
As recorded in Genesis, God observed the outcome of each creative period ("day") of our Earth. And He defined his work by stating, "it was good." God created spaces of goodness for His children's benefit and delight on this planet. As His children, we are creators and have the opportunity to do the same. In our own spheres and circumstances, we can create spaces of goodness that lift and bless others.
What is goodness?
Kindness. Benevolence. Charity. Compassion. Mercy. The best of humanity.
Goodness chases darkness away because it infuses light into every situation and place. It strengthens weak hands and cheers sad hearts. It leaves indelible prints on souls that inspire and motivate. And as most experiences in our lives, goodness is a choice.
Some time ago, a walk in a cemetary next to my home led to my eyes welling up with tears as I walked pass an older woman intently sitting in front of a headstone, lips moving and focus soley on the granite slab in front of her. I knew she was sharing her day with a loved one, most likely her husband. And I immediately had compassion for her as I assumed she experienced significant loneliness and grief. These thoughts turned to tears.
As I turned at the end of the lane in following my typical walking pattern, I quickly wiped away the tears so anyone on my path in that place would not assume distress. The woman was walking back to her car and my steps nearly intesected with hers. She called out to me by commenting on the weather. I turned toward her, paused my walking, and responded. We then proceeded to spend the next half hour slowly walking (she made a habit of walking for a few minutes every time she came to the cemetary) and sharing our love for family and God and neighbors.
She visited her deceased husband of only a few months almost daily. She was particularly struggling with feelings of sadness the day we met. She expressed I was a divine blessing to help her get through the day. And I told her the blessing was mutual. Little did she know of my own struggle in finding purpose in my current season of life and yearning for the moments that make a day worth bearing.
In a cemetary on an ordinary afternoon, two strangers created a space of goodness through civility, kindess, care, and extending the gift of listening. I don't know if this woman remembers me, yet, I certainly remember her. I remember the connection we found within seconds to share truth and healing and leave that cemetary uplifted and grateful. Grateful for good people and grateful for the divine timing of God, who is always good.
Whether it's a cemetary or a couch, a park bench or a store line, a stage or a doorstep - give kindness and grace and compassion. Create spaces of goodness that cheer, lift, inspire, bless, and love. When you do, you show others how to do the same. And what a beautiful and good world we can create together.
Remember, you are divine. You are worthy. You are loved.
Lovingly,
