A Bit of Light…
By John W. Vander Velden
The world
around us seems a dark place. The news focuses on the pain and suffering near
and far. How easily it is for us to become overwhelmed by what we perceive as a
complete picture of present-day realities.
Yet, what we
fear society has become, is not completely accurate. Truth is there are good
people out there. Folks that work for the best, even though their labors go
unnoticed. Perhaps one way to describe them is to say they bring a bit of
light to the places they go. Too often we do not notice these important
flickers, that in truth are nearer than we think. But worse… too often we do
not recognize that, in our own small way, we too can contribute to the battle
against darkness. That each of us has a bit of light we can share with
others, a way to make the dark less dark, even if it is in the life of one
person.
Fact is, it is
not so difficult.
It begins by caring. Caring
about the difficulties another person faces. Trying to understand the
challenges of their lives. We focus on the veneer of the lives of those that
surround us, satisfying ourselves that things for them are perfect, or in the
least much better than the world we face. But what they reveal is seldom the
complete view of the burdens they carry. But when we truly care, when we get to
know them better, a time will come when the veneer slips enough for us
to begin to understand a bit deeper about their difficulties. And in doing so
we realize that everyone faces hard times, loss, illness, and disappointments.
It is by
caring we are driven to act. A listening ear, a gentle touch. Proving that you
are willing to be there. Doing so offers just a bit of brightness, a contrast
to the darkness they may be facing.
The world can
be changed by these small acts of kindness. It is up to you and me, to bring a
bit of light…
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