The In-Between Space

How do we live the in-between ???

There are situations both close to home and around the world that take hold of my heart. Even if I don't have a direct involvement, some things just grab me

and don't want to let go of me. I also don't want to let go of them.

I want to embrace those involved and offer myself,

though I have no clue what I could do that would help.

It's that space in between the mountain and the valley that challenges and defines us.

I know that more good is waiting up above, and I am aware that more bad is lingering down below. I want to honor both of those spaces, and be a joyful Christian as I live the in-between. I want to dance with the ones who are rejoicing, and I want to cry with the ones who are suffering. I want to celebrate the blessings in my life, and heal from the losses and disappointments I experience. But, I'm not always good at the in-between.

Lately, it feels like our world is struggling to navigate many in-betweens....

~ embracing technological advancements without losing common sense

~ being comfortable and confident in ourselves without becoming prideful

~ expressing personal opinions and choices without suppressing others

~ granting freedom without denying respect and a sense of community

~ leading without harming and neglecting the ones we are called to lead

Lately, it seems we are making things more complicated than they need to be.

~ Isn't it easier to be kind rather than cruel? ~ Isn't it easier to smile rather than scowl? ~ Isn't it easier to love rather than ridicule? ~ Isn't it easier to help rather than ignore?

Truthfully, it is healthy and life-giving for both the giver and the one who receives the kindness, the smile, the love, the assistance. And, likewise, it is damaging to both the offender and the victim of cruel words, scowls, ridicule, and being ignored.

What if we change the in-between experience ?

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What if... we stop focusing on skin color, body type, wardrobe....

and get close enough to see each other's eye color and have an honest conversation?

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What if... we stop trying to be the loudest, proving our point....

and listen close enough to hear the other's heart?

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What if... we stop categorizing differences, divisions, discriminations....

and start sharing commonalities?

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What if... we stop pointing to the failures....

and celebrate the successes?

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What if... we stop holding others back....

and allow room for their gifts flourish?

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◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ What if... we stop trying to outdo others....

and help each other be our best?

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What if... we stop living in fear....

and extend love and mercy?

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What if... we stop striving to always obtain more....

and share what we already have?

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What if... we stop complaining, looking for someone to blame....

and put energy into looking for solutions and ways to make things better?

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What if we make the in-between and the world a better place? ~ you and me, together ~