Stockpiling Goodness and Hope

"A good person out of the store of goodness in his heart produces good." // Luke 6:45

I’m obsessed with a certain kind of black tea. Because it’s a holiday blend, only available in the wintertime, I buy it in bulk so I can savor it all year. It’s honestly embarrassing to admit how many boxes I have in my cupboard.

Maybe you do the same, stockpiling something you love. I think it’s human nature to do this, particularly during hard or uncertain times.

And the last two years have definitely been hard and uncertain. Lately, I find it’s easy to give in to cynicism and negativity. With all that is broken in the world, how do I cultivate a spirit of optimism, of hope?

Enter today’s Gospel, and this line: “A good person out of the store of goodness in his heart produces good” (Luke 6:45).

Store of goodness. I love that image, as if goodness can be neatly stacked like the tea boxes in my cupboard. But how do I create a store of goodness? How do I build a reserve of kindness and love—or hope and faith—for the hardest times?

Here’s one way: by recognizing and celebrating the goodness that already exists, both in the world and in myself.

What brought me joy today? When was I at my best self today? Those two questions, which I ask myself each evening, are enlightening. The first one helps me see and honor the good that is never far away, even in the darkest times. That awareness feeds my hope and faith in God’s providence.

The second question helps me recognize times when I myself acted with generosity, patience, or love. With this awareness, I’m more likely to lead from love in future encounters with my family, coworkers, or even strangers.

So try it, sister. Reflect on these two questions tonight. Savor what is already positive, in you and in the world, and let that goodness create even more.

Awareness feeds my hope and faith in God’s providence. // Ginny MoyerClick to tweet

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