In an age of decreasing civility, I wanted to share two short and recent stories from my own experience. The first is a neighbour who is not well-liked in our small community. He’s been a rather nasty man, has burnt most of the bridges of those around us. He is often the subject of conversation with no kind word.

He’s in trouble physically. He has trouble walking and twice I’ve found him on the ground crawling to his house. His wife is not well either and they are getting to a place where they can likely not continue much longer in their home. No one likes them but I feel sorry for them. I see how he talks and acts and I wonder how someone comes to a place like this. What is his story?

He came to our door for some help a few evenings ago and so I did help him. Some of our neighbours obviously saw me and one man, who I really like and find to be a kind gentleman came to thank me. When I asked why he was thanking me – he said because I should be thanked.

I think kindness gets noticed. And really, isn’t that what will make this a better world? And not to be corny – I think it’s what Jesus would do.

So I help – carefully – but I will.

The second story happened today – our neighbour from Toronto texted me because he noticed something at the house in Toronto and wanted me to be aware. How kind of him. He didn’t have to but he did and I sent back a note of thanks.

If we’re going to be salt and light in this world I think it comes through the small acts of life.

From Matthew 5

“¹³ “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.

¹⁴ “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. ¹⁵ Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. ¹⁶ In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”