When I first came to the place it was a dump.
Where I lived before was vibrant, dynamic and pulsing with potential tapped into seemingly all the time. Never a dull moment, something going on that would stimulate interest and activity. No room for moping or bitter introspection – just learn from the mistakes and look to do better.
This new place, though was a dump. I could feel it as I got into the place on a train. The depression was almost tangible. Any ‘friendly’ face was superficial. It wouldn’t take long to see beyond that was a deeply mistrustful and cynical approach to life that did not welcome anything else coming into their mire.
Tensions and frictions were never far from the surface. The news just appeared to be a never ending train of misery, gloom, bitter prejudice and the sense that this was just how it was going to be.
It was typical of my friend, who invited me up to stay around, that his attitude took all that in and still had a bright approach. He looked at the misery, depression, recriminations, divisions and despair and saw opportunity. Not opportunity to exploit for material gain. Not opportunity to bank on the misery and use it for his own purposes.
This was an opportunity to start new conversations. Conversation based on perception of the reality. Conversations developing on if the perception were the only ones available. Conversations expanding on considering alternative perceptions to adopt. Conversations building on a picture on how the alternatives could lead to better outcomes even from the current circumstances.
It was typical of my friend that he would not just have these conversations but also facilitate the actions that could support the building of better. The Kingdom opportunities for blessing to even flow in such a depressing scenario was very typical of my friend. And although the place was a dump when I came up, his approach hugely influenced me to play some part in the building to better.
The building hasn’t finished and setbacks often question the purpose, yet the rays of sunshine that brighten up things when the building takes place makes it all worthwhile.
(Photo by JOHN TOWNER on Unsplash)
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
Life With CD 