I was reminded of an old parable this week. A gentleman was moving to a new village. As he entered the village, he saw an old man by the gate to the village. He asked the old man what kind of people lived in the village. The old man, in turn, asked him how the people were where he had lived. The newcomer said they were warm, caring, thoughtful and would lend a helping hand if needed. The wise old man said the people in this village were the same. Later another stranger approached the old man and asked the same question. The wise old man also asked him how the people were in the village where he came from. The newcomer said they were mean, nasty and would not help anyone in need. The wise old man said the people in this village were the same.
My generation uses Facebook. I do not spend a lot of time on it but I do check it daily. This week David Stites posted that he and his wife had met our governor and that he was very friendly and nice. I was amazed at all the hateful replies. Wanting there to be at least one positive comment, I commented. A bit of that hate was immediately transferred to me. Roxie Jones commented in part “I think you might have rocks in the brain and then ZERO common sense!!!” Pretty mean for someone who does not know me at all and who obviously does not read this column suggesting we scatter Kindness and Love. Others expressed hate not only for our governor but for our state and expressed the wish to leave. Please do leave for your own mental health. However, you may find that where you live is not as important as how you live and think.
I have ordered a couple of signs. They say “Love not Hate Makes America Great”.
Have been a lot of motorcycles in Plymouth this week. One Harley rider came into the store. As we talked, he said he was a police officer in Missouri. I asked him to move to Plymouth. Saturday, riders on Silvie’s Ride came to Plymouth. It is a great cause and I support them. I don’t believe I have ever seen a motorcycle ridden down the sidewalk in front of my store before or parked on a side walk. Even events with the best of intentions can be marred by too much alcohol.
Had two sets of B&B guests this week. Friends, Ray and Kathy Goodell came up from Florida for a pottery convention and other friends came for a funeral. My guests knew more people in the area than I know. Loved having them.
One of my devotions this week discussed different types on ministry. I think my ministry is listening and card writing. Sometimes we just need to talk to someone and for that to happen, someone must listen. I know that I like to receive cards so hope others do too. When there is a note in the paper that someone is having a special birthday, I try to send them a card even if we don’t know each other. It is such a small thing which might be a bright spot in someone’s day.
Have a good week. Enjoy the warmer weather. Even on cloudy days, there is often a great sunset, try to stop and appreciate it and thank God for the day. Think before you write hateful comments. Are they really helpful or will they just hurt someone. Also, the recipient might just write a newspaper column making your hate filed comment not so anonymous. Scatter Kindness and Love, it will be better for those around you and for YOU also!
Editor’s Note; Joyce is a resident of Plymouth and owns Plymouth Rock Roost B & B and Plymouth Rock Antiques.
