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."
