In the classic novel, Pride and Prejudice (by the inimitable Jane Austen), one of the characters—a snooty upper-crust woman by the name of Lady Catherine—visits the home of the main character, Elizabeth Bennet. Upon entering the home, Lady Catherine must listen to Elizabeth’s overly talkative mother chatter on and on about her family and their comings and goings—without having been asked. Lady Catherine stands quietly for a moment and then merely replies, “You have a very small park here.”

Some believe this simply means that the garden (“park”) was indeed very small. (The Bennets were not a wealthy family, and they did not have a large garden filled with beautiful flowers as were at the homes of those who more affluent.) Others—and I fall into this category—believe that Lady Catherine is bluntly telling Mrs. Bennet that she lives in a very small world: one that revolves only around her immediate family and herself.

As I’ve observed blogs, websites, and even Facebook walls or Facebook groups this past year, I have seen many amazingly written and far-reaching articles or posts that go beyond the author’s own “park.” These people are making a difference in the world! Sadly, I have also seen many bloggers or people on Facebook or Twitter whose only focus is self. Their “park” is very small. To add insult to injury, they seldom leave their own “park” to visit the park of a friend by posting a quick, unsolicited note on Facebook or Twitter or by posting a thoughtful, discussion-centered comment on someone else’s blog.

Instead, they are bomb-blasting others with “like this,” or “support this.” As businesswoman Sandi Krakowski recently stated, that type of posting is merely “pimping” your business. Yes, it’s okay—and even important—to want people to support your page/cause/event or to “like” your page or subscribe to your blog. But one important way to accomplish that is to earn the “likes” and gain the support of your cause or event by occasionally leaving your own “park” and enjoying and/or commenting on the beauty of someone else’s park!

Blog or no blog, here are just a few things you can do to “expand your world” and demonstrate concern for others:

*Start a phone conversation  by asking about the other person first. Then, listen to what they say in their reply!

*Earn the right to be heard by hearing others’ comments and being respectful of their comments—either in spoken or written form.

*Start a thank-you note with the word “you” or “your.” (ex., Instead of “I love the new book you sent me,” start with “Your thoughtfulness in sending me a book by my favorite author was as much a gift as the book itself!”)

*Pray for others before asking God for what you want.

*If you’re a blogger or writer, leave a note of comment or send an email in reply to a blog post that had on impact on you.

The bottom line is this: truly care about others, and your “park” will expand. Then, and only then, will it bring beauty and joy to all who see it!

Suggested reading: Philippians 2:1-11

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