For the good we have done....

It's easy this time of year to get a little too focused on what we get wrong. I found a communal call and response prayer from JewBelong.com, and have modified it a bit. I present it here so that you might enjoy reading it and giving it some thought, as Yom Kippur begins tonight at sunset...


For the good we have done when we held back a sharp and critical tongue.
     For the good we have done when we gave a compliment and a word of encouragement.

For the good we have done when we gave charity to causes that needed our help.
     For the good we have done when we helped strangers or friends in need.

For the good we have done for doing an unbidden kindness.
     For the good we have done when we been very considerate and thoughtful of others.

For the good we have done when we have thought better of ourselves in situations where we used to feel shame.
     For the good we have done when we are attentive to our partners, families, and friends.

For the good we have done when we took action for the sake of tikkun olam, the repair of the world.
     For the good we have done when we opened our homes in hospitality to guests.

For the good we have done in choosing not to use products which harm the environment.
     For the good we have done when we have acted in loving and responsible ways towards the earth.
   
For the good we have done when we acted or spoke out in the face of racism, sexism and homophobia, and as an ally to those who face discrimination.
     For the good we have done when we took action in the face of social inequity.

May our fast be easy and our Yom Kippur meaningful.