What Would Your Kindness Zone Look Like?

If you created a place of retreat from the madness and rudeness of the world, what would it look like?

Our teens had this assignment last week as we studied Ephesians 4:26-32, and our hearts were blessed beyond measure at the Kindness Zone they designed. I would withdraw to this little slice of heaven every single day, I can tell you that much.

Every week we hear stories about how difficult other students are to be around, the bullying that's taking place in our schools, family conflicts that are weighing heavy, and workplace worries that shouldn't exist to begin with. If you're not already praying for the next generation, I beg you to do so right now.

The giant whiteboard became their drawing board for a very special Kindness Zone, a retreat from nastiness where they could uplift one another and help each other heal. Their hearts poured out as they named each section they wanted to build:

The Encouragement Center
A Grateful Garden
The Leader Club
The Calmness Center
A Learning About Jesus/God Zone
The Lift You Up Library
The Loveness Zone
A Joyful Jam
The Courage Cloud
The No Bullying Zone
The Forgiveness Forest
The Peaceful Porch
God's Perfection Pond
The Truth Table
The Bible/God Zone
The God Gives Me Grace Center
The Gracie Group
The Thankful Kitchen
Happy Hearts
A Nice Nest
The Helpful Center
The Leader In Me Club
A Lovely Lasso
The Syd Senter
The Sportsmanship Center

Their kindness and concern for each other - and protecting their own hearts at the same time - blessed us beyond measure. We praised them for their thoughtfulness and reminded them that we can create this Kindness Zone in our own world. It starts with the Holy Spirit in our hearts and spills over into our homes, schools, churches, and neighborhoods. 

What areas would you add to your very own Kindness Zone?

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