people!?
When my nephew was three years old, he went to a local park with his dad. They returned sooner than expected. Ezra was asked how the trip to the park went, and he provided a one word response -- with some exasperation. "People!?"
Indeed. People!?
It is hard to pay attention and avoid perseverating on what is wrong with people. The news and social media provide a steady stream of exemplar efforts in bad behavior, hate, and malice. People!?
Heart, thoughts, and actions. What we hold in our heart influences our thoughts, and ultimately our actions. If a person holds hate, or prejudice, or anger in their heart for too long, it will inevitably manifest in the way they treat others. Hold love, kindness, and empathy and that will become evident. Actions speak to the heart.
I consider my lived experience (excluding social media feeds). The interactions I have and the things I notice on a day to day basis. Overall, I'd say it's pretty good. The vast majority of people seem no more (or less) flawed than myself -- for whatever that is worth. Sometimes tired, cranky, or a bit rude, but rarely hateful or mean. In fact, I can frequently go an entire day without having a "people!?" episode.
That gives me hope that we can pull it together and be able to look at our earthly peers and say...ahh, people :)
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