Today I have spent time with a number of people as on a Friday after our 30 minute Quaker Meeting for Worship we have a facilitated discussion. Today the subject was ‘prayer’ and was fascinating. There were about 20 of us and there were probably at least as many different views and experiences in the room. I was unable to speak with each person individually but in the discussion tried to show interest in what was offered, really listening, and stopping myself jumping in (as I know sometimes happens).  Over a cuppa and the washing up I did spend longer with some folk, and I made sure that I gave some positive feedback to the facilitator who set the scene wonderfully.

This morning a good friend visited and we spoke about some challenges facing him. I appreciated the difficulty he is experiencing at the moment, and am impressed by the love and integrity that he is showing in making hard decisions. I hope that by telling him this I was responding positively.

Over the day I have also had brief interactions with a number of market traders, shop keepers, the Big Issue vendor and others, and have passed the time of day or asked after them or their families as seems appropriate. What does seem important is that any response is authentic, and it also seems to me that it is usually possible to find something positive to say that is sincerely meant.