There is a house in our neighborhood whose owner put a sign in his yard that reads, “Just Be Kind.” That prompted thoughts of other yard signs that are seen occasionally: “Vote for So-and-So,” “Keep Off the Grass,” and “Slow Down. Kids at Play.” There was a sign posted at a chiropractor’s office that might be unintentionally humorous: “Parking Around Back.”
“Just Be Kind’ is a good idea if we could really live up to it every day. In this Easter season, we have heard some words that also could be very sign-worthy. For example, the Risen Jesus, when He came to his apostles in the upper room, said more than once, “Peace be with you.” In the Gospel of John we recently read, “Love one another.” We were reminded that Jesus is our Good Shepherd, so a good sign would read, “The Lord is My Shepherd.”
What is the value of signs? Signs draw your attention. They are usually brief, eye-catching, and to the point. They are easy to read and prominently displayed. While we all might not choose to erect religious signs in our front yards, we may want to integrate those short suggestions and reminders into our daily lives.
How can we do that? Many people spend a lot of time looking at cell phones or computers. Why not interject a little typed suggestion or adage that could pop up on the screen now and then? Maybe a little phrase on a desk calendar would be a good idea. Perhaps a small, colorful desk or countertop sign would work. Sometimes a few words trigger more words; for example, “The Lord is my Shepherd” might inspire, “I shall not want.” We might even look up the whole passage and pray with it.
We need positivity in our lives. Bad news makes the headlines a lot faster than good news, for some reason. We can exemplify and spread the good news of Jesus. We can also get lazy and take the easy way out: “Let someone else help.” “I’m too busy.” “It’s not my turn.”
Wherever we get our positive motivation or good news to live by, it is helpful to remember the words of St. Paul in Romans 12:2:
Do not conform yourself to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your
mind, that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and pleasing
and perfect.
That would be a very good sign for our desks or computers:
Good, Pleasing,
and Perfect!
†††
Photograph by Sharon Krause.
The scripture passage is taken from the New American Bible, Oxford University Press, New York, 1990.
Sharon Krause is a RENEW volunteer whose writing has appeared in several resources for small-group faith sharing. She is a wife, mother, and grandmother residing in Royal Palm Beach, Florida. Over the years, she has served in many parish ministries.