The Warmest Words on a Hot Summer Day

The Warmest Words on a Hot Summer Day

At long last, the sweltering heat has come to an end, and autumn is just around the corner. A cool breeze in the morning and evening feels especially refreshing. During the hot summer months, it is easy to become irritable and exhausted by everyday life. This summer, there was a campaign that brought comfort to the hearts of local residents, and I would like to introduce it.

Shincheonji Bartolomeo Tribe Gwangmyeong Church held a campaign called “A Cool Word on a Hot Summer Day.” The campaign focused on encouraging people to express feelings they had not been able to share with their family members and friends. When I think about it, I have also experienced how difficult it can be to express my feelings to those closest to me, especially my family. Saying words that have been lingering only in my mind can feel awkward and embarrassing. But perhaps, if we keep trying, expressing our feelings can eventually become a natural part of our everyday lives. In that sense, this campaign was noteworthy because it went beyond being a one-time event and provided an opportunity for people to learn how to express their feelings.

The campaign also extended beyond family and friends to include people such as sanitation workers, firefighters, delivery workers, and road maintenance workers. These are people who work for the community regardless of rain or snow, extreme heat or freezing cold. Although participants did not have personal relationships with them, they expressed their gratitude through a sticker activity. I still remember the days of the COVID-19 pandemic. When panic buying and stockpiling occurred around the world and everyday life was disrupted, South Korea did not experience the same level of widespread shortages. One reason was that the country had a well-established delivery system. People could order what they needed online and have everything from household goods to groceries delivered, sometimes on the same day or within one or two days. We remember and appreciate the dedication of those who quietly remained at their posts and continued working even during difficult times.

Participants in the campaign were also offered refreshing snacks. In addition, at a time when handwritten letters have become increasingly uncommon, participants had the opportunity to write messages of gratitude through calligraphy. One participant said, “I had not been able to contact my family members who live far away very often, but this gave me a chance to reach out to them after a long time. When I sent my mother a calligraphy message along with a note asking how she was doing, she replied that she was touched. It made me feel very proud and happy.”

A representative of Shincheonji Gwangmyeong Church said, “A kind and encouraging word is something we all need right now. We will continue organizing campaigns that emphasize the importance of communication among citizens and between generations, so that people can share messages of gratitude and encouragement with one another.”

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, individualism has become even more prevalent. In particular, more grocery stores now offer single-serving ingredients and side dishes, while many restaurants have also introduced seating designed for people dining alone. There are even many people who spend all day looking at their smartphones and computers without having a meaningful conversation with another person. Some couples even communicate through text messages while sitting in the same space.

We are living in an age when people can easily become disconnected from one another. That is why I believe small actions—asking someone how they are doing first, saying “thank you” first, and expressing happiness at seeing someone first—can bring about meaningful change. 

Reference : https://vo.la/yqEtcC9