There is harmony in the countryside. There is harmony between the seasons. There is harmony between the creatures who live there, even though some are the hunters and some the hunted. That is the way it is and things go on with an acceptance of the different conditions that happen over the years, though both flora and fauna have to learn to adapt to changing conditions.
Everyone knows what harmony means. However, I am looking up alternative words in my Collins Gem Thesaurus, that I keep nearby for my crossword puzzles.
HARMONY
1/ accord, agreement, amicability, amity, assent, compatibility, concord, conformity, cooperation, friendship, like-mindedness, peace, rapport, sympathy, unity.
2/ euphony, melody, tune, tunefulness.
Most of the words in group one, cover what I mean about the countryside, however all of them cover mankind.
Since I have been blogging, I have come across harmony between fellow bloggers and have been amazed how all the alternative words in group one have touched me through comments that I have received. Some times even group two has been realized through music that suddenly strikes up when I visit a blog or by being "in tune" with the person that I am visiting.
So do we have to like every one? Do we have to agree with everyone?
That is not possible because we are human beings with our own preferences, likes and dislikes. Some people warm to us right away, while others do not. We are all different and we are definitely entitled to conflicting ideas.
I expect all of us can remember different types of teachers from when we were young. One teacher might have believed in a child and built him up by giving encouragement and help. Another might have damaged his confidence by a slap with a ruler (yes that happened when I was a child), a harsh comment or making him look ridiculous in front of the class.
Actually, both of these experiences would stick in one's mind, but the positive experience would be remembered with gratitude and recognition that some one saw potential and gave encouragement. It could be acted on and that child might grow up to bear the fruit of that teacher's belief.
However, the negative experience might sow doubts about the child's ability so that he might not even try and reach his highest level. Then that teacher might be partly responsible for stunting the child's growth.
Its the same with blogging.
Let's be responsible for building people up not putting them down. We can always boycott a blog if we dislike it so much. However it is our responsibility as bloggers not to damage other people's faith, friendships and feelings.
Let us live in harmony with each other. Peace!
Psalm 133:v 1 "How pleasant for God's people to live in harmony."
34 comments:
Very good words, Maggie! How true it is that no matter what, there is always someone a person meets that doesn't "sit" right with another -or one blog doesn't trip each and everyone else's trigger -and on and on. Differences -for sure -and we all have them but too frequently maybe we don't acknowledge them in others or being allowed in others. Each of us has our own little quirkiness but all too often, expect everyone else to accept those things but aren't always willing to do the same with other folks. It has to be an exchange.
Sounds like a plan to me. I hope this post wasn't triggered by negative comments on your fine blog.
My dad always used to say "if you can't say something good, say nothing". Not original I know, but profound. I try(most time unsuccessfully) to live by that philosophy.
I'd like to reassure all my blogging friends that no one has upset me on my blog!
Thanks, Hilary for your concern.
I'm obviously out of the loop on this one, but Amen to that anyway.
As with Hilary's comment I hope that this hasn't been triggered by something negative. I have always been touched by the supporting comments that I've had on my blog and that is part of why this blogging thing has such a feel good factor I think :)
A great post, Maggie! I'm glad to see your response to Hilary that this wasn't inspired by any negative comments on your blog. I have been so pleasantly surprised by all the kind things that people say in their comments. Occasionally I've gone to a blog that I thought was rather strange or perhaps someone posted something that I didn't really agree with, but then I simply don't comment! As you say, we all are different, and there's no reason to be negative or critical of others.
Looks like you had a lovely day with your daughter and grandsons!
I couldn't agree more Maggie. Find as I get older that I can accept differences much more easily than as a young person. I imagine we all can. But it is much better to be pleasant and positive. Great post - I really enjoyed reading it.
A x
I find blogging so very supportive in the main except for the horrid trolls that come along - only had one this year and I know who she is anywa. Other sites I frequented off and on before I started blogging couod be horible spiteful as I watched spats break out between people who were obnoxious behind cover of a PC screen. Luckily blogger has a warm supportive community and I'm glad of it. Nice post Maggie.
Me again Maggie. Just caught up with emails one of which was one of those you are supposed to forward! But the punch line read - "be kinder than necessary because everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle". How true!
A x
maggie, allow me to put everyone out of their misery. I was the culprit for daring to question your knight in shining armour. I came over this morning to throw my cap in the door, only to find I am still in the stocks. Oh, well. :-(
Apology accepted, Billy!
Well written Maggie. We should all be tolerate of eachother at the very least. Seeing one blogger attack another, and worse, others jump on the bandwagon, is (to me) nothing short of bullying.
I never cared much for bullies. ;0)
Excellent post.
Very well said.
Aw Maggie. I do hope that you get nothing but positive, uplifting comments from here on out.
Peace - D
Very well written, Maggie. I totally disagree with attacking others in public and think it is absolutely ludicrous that the "bullies" get away with it because unfortunately, they so often do. But when more than one attack is made, then I think it's time the attacker drew breath and resigned.
You're a lovely person, Maggie.
CJ xx
Hi Maggie, and we don't all need to be the same to get along, in fact the harmonious-ness builds from the blending of multiple different tones/notes.
You have such a nice way of putting things Maggie.
When I was in grade 5, I thought my teacher was just the bees knees. I even bought her a present for Xmas which was something all frilly and pretty looking. It might have thrown her off but it was given with the intent that is was pretty and so was she.
When the summer months were creeping up, my mother took me to a hairdresser and she cut off my hair that had hung to my waist. It was above my ears - butchered is more like it.
The next morning the teacher got the attention of the class and said - 'We have a new boy in our class' and pointed me out.
I could have died. I think part of me did. Certainly the part that had adored her did.
Hurting someone in public or trying to make them look small is unforgiveable. I for one never forgave that teacher. I still haven't.
And my question is why? Why did she do that? Why do people do that? It's mean and it's small-minded. She had to have seen the complete embarrassment and pain that covered my face. I hope she remembers it for the rest of her life as I have.
btw - I never spoke to her again in the same way. Only if I had to.
A lovely post Maggie. Sadly, harmony doesn't rate too highly on this lot's list of prioroties.....!
Well said, maggie!
It's so true about teachers, too. I have often thought that they perhaps do not realise how much power they have over a child's life. I can still remember being bullied by a couple of teachers in primary school and one in senior school. None of the good comments have stayed in my memory, but I'm sure that there were some!
I love peace and harmony...but I must take off my rose colored glasses from time to time. :(
I love your posts...the walks...I do hope to get back over there one of thesed days...I do love England!
Anyway, to hell with the damn negative bloggers. Just a waste of time...tell em to piss off! :D
Peace out!
Wise words! I've noticed a bit of, shall we say, 'less than friendly' posts/comments lately, on account of the U.S. election. I agree, there is a heck of a difference between expressing one's opinion respectfully and politely, and totally trashing other people's opinions. I think its up to the blogger to maintain control and decorum, and hit 'reject' when it comes to publishing hurtful or negative comments. ANd you are right when you say, if the views expressed on a particular blog bother one, then one should simply abstain from that blog.
I haven't seen you in a while so I came over to say hi : ). As always, I LOVE your picture. So pretty!
Eloquent post. In the three plus years I have been blogging I have only had about three seriously negative encounters. I had heard of many ugly encounters, but -- thankfully -- have never been involved in one.
I did have someone make disparaging remarks about me once based on a comment in a post of mine, but since that man's nastiness ended with me meeting -- and falling in love with -- OC, I guess it really was a positive.
God can use all things for good, even those things enemies meant to cause harm.
Btw, Maggie -- even though I know you through David's posts, I picked up this link on the Google Reader home page. They were advertizing you today.
Hi Maggie!
Really wonderful post! and congratulations on the Post Of The Day Award from David's!!
As you know I have only been blogging since January this year, but in these 10 months I have met some wonderful people! and one of the most wonderful is you!! You gave me support in the beginning when I most needed it and gave me encouragement to write more too.
I never thought that anything I would write would be of any interest to anyone else out there and it is because of wonderful, caring people like you that the Blog world is so fantastic! And all of that is without even mentioning your fantastic writing!!!
So this has been my "send positive words to Maggie" day!
Big Hugs! x
Maggie,
We need not necessarily have to like everyone and vice versa but yes, living in harmony should be a part of our nature. However, for me, I think I could handle a bit of constructive criticism.;)
Thank you for a lovely post. I reached here from David's Post of the Day. Congratulations.:)
So true ...great post!
I'm all for harmony, Maggie, but I do like a bit of spice as long as it is not meant to harm. Since I have been blogging, late August, I have met so many truly nice people, I hhave not agreed with every thing they said but I respect their beliefs and ideas, and would no more think to insult them than fly to the moon. Now and again I can sense that a blogger enjoys a bit of sparring and that's fun. XO
You are absolutely right!
I always want everyone to agree with me - since I'm always absolutely right.
Had to track down the blogger who thought the election of Obama was a bad idea......!!!
However, I wrote a nice comment on her blog.
We certainly only need visit our chums.
So many lovely people out there.
Thanks everyone for your kind comments.
I don't mind constructive criticism, in fact I don't mind you leaving a comment that conflicts with mine........ but what I don't like is when my friends are publicly ridiculed and put down....... That's different.
Wow. That was so very well said and it would be a much better blogger world if people who do that. You have a wonderful way with words.
You've got me wondering what is going on now, Maggie! Yes, I agree with you and yes, we should not say unkind things to one another. As expatmum says: Amen to that!
hey a little irritation produces precious pearls
Peace is wonderful ,harmony when it breaks out is a treasure
But hey enjoy every experience there is learning in everything.
Trolls nah humbug ,best ignored
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