Because All Is Not As It Appears

Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen. Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another. But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. Sometimes when we get an 'inside story' on a situationwe are reminded, nothing is ever completely as it appears.Hopefully then, we strive to be kinder because who knowswhat hidden cross our fellow-pilgrim is bearing! This song from my younger days still makes me laugh😂because most of us at some point can relate to at least one ofthe frustrations he highlights😅 Be gracious, because everything is not as it appearsWe all carry a hidden world beneath mortal veneersAnd often what we might surmise by the posture of sheavesIs but a glimpse of much more than the naked eye perceives The aches and breaks of love and life are not splayed in bold fontFor all to see the bare bones of necessity and wantOf tug of wars we weather as heart-tethers strain and groanOf prayers poured out in secret tears, witnessed by God alone Surely the common ground of stumbles and mistakes and suchShould sweeten words and soften hearts and gentle thought and touchAnd make us far more patient with each other than we areWhere low blows from life’s hard knocks leaves many a hidden scar Love’s lessons-in-the-learning do not spill for all to seeTherefore, we should defend each other with kind empathy/ sympathyRather than hurling insults, or quick judgment’s sharpened spearsWe should be gracious, because all is not as it appears © Janet Martin