“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.” – Proverb 18:21
Living in a large apartment complex is challenging. Having neighbors who are so close to your apartment can really be troubling. Hearing everything that goes on above, below, and beside you does not lead to feelings of privacy. Most apartments are built for efficiency and not designed for individual distinction. It is hard to make an apartment unique and feel like it is your own. After all, they look just like all the other ones in the building.
Tim and Jessa knew what to expect when they moved into a new apartment in Orlando, Florida. They had lived in apartments before. The doors in their hallway all looked the same. People were moving in and out of their individual apartments, each looking to their own daily tasks. There was not a lot of community, even though so many lived so close together.
Wanting to make a positive difference in their new community, Jessa and Tim decided to do something with the door of their new apartment. They set out a small table with sticky notes, markers, and a sign that read, “Hi. We want you to know: You matter, so much. You are valued and you make this world a better place! You are perfect, exactly as you are. Love, Jessa and Tim.” It was a simple, yet profound note.
This was just the start. Tim and Jessa allowed others to post positive notes, as well. Before long, their door became the bright spot in the whole complex. People began to stop and write encouraging words and notes of gratitude to their neighbors. This simple gesture brought great joy to so many and gave neighbors a positive experience with one another.
Jessa and Tim understand that a positive and supportive word can change a person’s world. Too often, we go about our daily lives with little or no positive moments to brighten our days. At the end of a hallway, in a large apartment complex, two people placed a kind note and encouraged others to express their joy and gratitude. It was a small act that turned so many dreary days to joy.
We all can help others experience joy. The sharing of kind words can make such a difference in our lives and the lives of the people around us. Tim and Jessa used little notes and markers to change their entire apartment environment. I can only imagine what an entire church, committed to sharing God’s love, can accomplish when we choose positive and kind words in all that we say and do.
– Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship
