This is a wonderful time of year, when people get outside and enjoy the sights around them, meet people they haven’t seen over the winter, and meet new people in our community.
It is also a time of heightened consciousness as our interactions with one another become more public: words spoken privately inside our homes can now be heard through open windows, and our actions now take place not only behind closed doors but in public spaces: on porches, decks, yards, sidewalks, and parks.
I hope all our interactions will be like the one I recently had while out with my dog, Truffles. It was late at night, and I was pushing a cart rattling down the sidewalk, watching for someone approaching. The man was still in the shadows, but he greeted me and told me his name. I stood on the porch, lit by the lights, and answered back. He told me we met while we were both visiting his brother’s church. What a gift it is that two creations of our wonderful God can reconnect, even for a short time, as a family.
I’ll be honest, I never saw this man’s face because he was in the shadows, and I didn’t have my hearing aids so I wouldn’t have understood when he called my name, but I’m grateful that he was willing to speak up that night, and I hope he was too.
Conversation isn’t always easy, but we are lucky that Truffle has some hidden conversation starters. Kids often come up to him by name and he loves to be petted. When he looks at them with his big “chocolate drop” eyes, they know how special he thinks they are. None of the kids call me by name, and few of their parents do, but most remember Truffle and his mom. We love that.
You and I often get so caught up in our own needs and schedules that we forget to look for ways to reach out to others and make their day better. Our job is to share God’s love. If we could just stop thinking of it as a “big thing” and just do it in small ways, the big things might just work themselves out.
Rev. Gwen Bernstein is a local pastor currently serving Lycoming Presbyterian Church and a member of “Let’s end COVID!”, a group of concerned people in North Central Pennsylvania working to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic through education, outreach and mitigation.
Start by looking for the good in your family and neighbors. A smile and a “hello” is the first step. Yesterday at the grocery store, someone moved out of the middle of the aisle so I could drive through with my cart. As I passed, I couldn’t help but whisper, “Thank you.” The person smiled back and said, “You’re welcome.” When did gestures of kindness and compassion become something people are surprised to receive? Soon, it might be easier to see the good in strangers.
Next, remember the good. The Lycoming County Brotherhood recently recognized four unsung heroes. Many organizations and schools give out awards as well. We are filled with great people who care for each other every day. And when bad things trouble us, it’s important to forgive those involved and move on.
Finally, take advantage of every opportunity to celebrate. Life is short. Celebrate your accomplishments and the accomplishments of others. Don’t be envious of the accomplishments of others. A victory for one member of God’s family is a victory for all of us. Stop sweating the small stuff, love God and love your neighbor, and the rest will work itself out.
God’s spirit Inspire us all to live well together!
