Better

“When we love, we always strive to become better than we are. When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better, too.”

Paulo Coelho

Christmas is only a week away, and winter begins this week. For some, it’s a season that can be exhilarating and filled with fun activities. For others, the time can bring unsavory memories and a feeling of overwhelm. For many, it’s a time of fondness and a reason to cozy up to loved ones and friends. It’s a time when we can reflect on the year’s events and look forward to coming celebrations. It’s also a time when we can choose to put our judgments aside and experience warmth and inclusion, extending our heartfelt wishes to those around us.

I’m reminded of past times when there was a camaraderie that seemed to supersede any agendas. People came together. There didn’t have to be a particular issue, just the desire to gather peacefully and enjoy pleasant conversation. It seems that these days, we must be careful of simple things, so we don’t cause discomfort in some way.

We can do better. We can strive to exude love and understanding and model behavior befitting inclusion. Our efforts become second nature as we continue to spread that love and understanding to those around us and see it manifest in ways we can’t predict or imagine. When we’re better at loving, others respond in kind. Ultimately, there’s a lot less strife and a lot more joy.

Paulo Coelho shared these thoughts:

Wouldn’t it be nice if better became the standard? We could be better at common courtesies like opening the door for one another. We might be better at listening to what’s being said instead of planning our rebuttal when someone’s talking to us. We might offer a helping hand when the lady in front of us at the checkout line is struggling to get her purchases on the belt while holding a two-year-old in the cart. Perhaps we assist the older adult trying to get through the crosswalk before the signal turns or have patience with the new driver who just can’t figure out how to turn left when there’s oncoming traffic.

And think of this ~ What would it look like to sit with a group of people different from us and earnestly seek their point of view? It might cause a scandal, but what an experience. Maybe better might mean being more open to possibilities we haven’t considered.

Scripture has a lot to say about love, but here’s one passage that sums up the thoughts for today:

“You’re familiar with the old written law, ‘Love your friend,’ and its unwritten companion, ‘Hate your enemy.’ I’m challenging that. I’m telling you to love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the supple moves of prayer, for then you are working out of your true selves, your God-created selves. This is what God does. He gives his best—the sun to warm and the rain to nourish—to everyone, regardless: the good and bad, the nice and nasty.” Matthew 5: 42-47 (MSG)

Let’s take time this week to reexamine ourselves. Can we be better at inclusion, better at being open-minded, better at loving people we may not have considered? I think the answer is a resounding yes ~ so let’s be better!

Be Well & Be Blessed!

Lucinda