An Invitation to Loving-kindness
What can you do, with intention, this week to bring some kindness and hope into the world?
This week I have a bit of a challenge for you. We all know how stressful and scary the world is these days. We read or watch the news about the on-going wars, seemingly increasing violence near and far, people struggling with addictions, the plight of the unhoused, and so much more.
It’s hard to be optimistic about the future with all these things going on and our own personal challenges. I’m thinking we could all commit to bringing some loving-kindness into the world this week. I mean, we could be intentional about it.
In what small (or large) way can we make the world a kinder, more hopeful place? Send a note to a friend “just because.” Buy a stranger a cup of coffee and talk to them. Donate items to help others. Share something you enjoy with someone else. Invite someone to share their joy with you?
These are just a few ideas of simple things we can do to be kind and bring hope. There are plenty of other things, too. I invite you to do something and then tell us about it here or in worship on Sunday. Kindness is something to be shared not kept to ourselves.
And in the spirit of Whisper Non-Shouty Thursday (or any day you read this), if there is anything you want to share – good, bad, or otherwise – put it in a comment. (I’ve gotten us started.) It’s been great to see what is on your minds from the silliness to the serious. Let’s support one another.
About Rachael Keefe
Rev. Dr. Rachael Keefe is the pastor of Living Table United Church of Christ. She was called to Living Table in 2015 after serving in many varied ministry settings since her ordination in 1992. She holds graduate degrees from Princeton Theological Seminary and Andover Newton Seminary at Yale (formerly Andover Newton Theological School). Her ministry and leadership often center around advocacy and accessibility. Her writing has been published by Chalice Press, The Christian Century, Red Letter Christians, Working Preacher, RevGalBlogPals, and others. She is grateful to be in ministry with Living Table today.
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i love walking morgan and seeing the world become more green with new flowers blooming everyday.
I had a man named Will and his partner do some yard work and haul away a broken lawn mower. It was an act of loving kindness on his part. He wanted nothing for his work.
It was obvious that the family could use some cash. I got to to know Will and I in turn gave him over $100. At first he said no, his work was to pay it forward. I told told him that I too was paying it forward. He was so appreciative.
Thanks for sharing this story, Barb.