Light, Joy, Life!



I have recently heard of two “projects” taken on by young people that might help us get a healthier perspective on living.  Life is moving at such a rapid pace and there is such agitation and unease in our world that we can easily forget the quieter, simpler things in life.  It seems to me that now more than ever we need to nurture our spirit of hope and gratitude and sometimes the smallest gestures provide lasting sustenance.

Back in 2015 a 6 year old wanted to be known for sharing smiles even in the face of losing both parents in a 2 year time.  Jaden Hayes began the “Smile Experiment” by following the advice of his Aunt and giving away small toys or trinkets along with a smile big enough to brighten a room.  His desire was kindled by wanting to turn the down cast faces and hearts of mourners to smiles for the life yet to be lived.  Now, almost two years later, the infectious nature of this child’s smile continues to move others of all ages and situations to take a breath and remember the good around and inside us. You can search out Jaden’s story via Google and Facebook.

Just this past Valentine’s Day, a student who prefers to remain anonymous, made 1,300 valentines for each student in her Troy, Ohio High School.  These were simple hearts with the message “You are loved” written on each and taped to each locker. She did not want any of her classmates to be left out on what can be a difficult day for the students who are less social or connected.  The message of love is certainly one that connects others rather than causing isolation and loneliness.

Each of these efforts and so many more like them remind me that in the face of anger, name calling, fear and despair, there is hope.  These young people help me to stay grounded in my belief that God created each of us out of love and that we are here on earth in the midst of God’s creation to be people who love above all else.  We have not been created to be selfish, greedy and isolated individuals. We are part of something bigger than any one of us and I don’t know about you, but it is in that community and in this world that I find joy and above all, life.  Let’s not be ignorant about what is going on in the world, but let’s not let be all there is.  I pray that as we end this month of February – of Valentine’s Day – we will reground ourselves in a spirit of gratitude and love.  For myself, I pray that I spend more time appreciating the many graces and blessings in my life and less time worrying about a future I cannot control. What about you?

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Could we move any slower?

Image
Last week was kind of a “slow starter” sort of week. Not every day, or every part of every day, but as I look back on the week, that certainly characterizes the week.   What do I mean?   Well, most mornings it was hard to get up and start the day.   I did not feel unwell, but I did not feel “right” either.   My early morning prayer time seemed more like a time of trying to quiet the noise in my head than a time of listening for the presence of God.   Sitting down to whatever tasks of the day seemed like navigating through a sea of molasses.   And there were some “tasks” that did not get done – like the writing of these reflections. So here I am, at the start of a new week with some new energy and renewed direction.   This time of “stay at home” orders and living daily with the reality of COVID-19 is unlike any we have ever experienced. For many of us, our usual coping mechanisms aren’t quite up to the task.   And the stressors are new and ...
Read more
I have been thinking about the second reading from this weekend's liturgy from St. Paul to the Ephesians in light of so many situations and realities in our world. This reading really encourages us to be our best selves in all areas of our life, and in all situations. I don't know about you, but I find this really hard.  I have a set of principles by which I live my life and I work pretty hard at it.  But there are times when someone inevitably pushes my buttons.  My reaction can be one of frustration, disbelief, anger or disregard. I hate it when I react this way. I pray to do better the next time and to put my better self out there. I believe that we can model this for all those in our circles. Just imagine if our friends, family and co-workers witnessed each of us responding to difficult situations with grace and a more measured response rather than quickly reacting in anger, fear or even worse - disregard. As people see this more positive behavior on our ...
Read more

What are we afraid of?

Image
In Henri Nowen’s book Lifesigns he reminds us that the opposite of fear is love.   One scripture scholar notes that the exhortation “Be not afraid” is repeated 365 times in the Bible – once for every day of the year!   The Gospel for this past weekend [Matthew 10: 26 – 33 (in the Catholic tradition)] also encourages us to not be afraid.   As a person of faith, I believe that we do not need to be afraid and that there is a force of good in the universe far greater than anything I can imagine. Living by faith anchors us in love, which banishes fear.   The more we live in love, the less space there is for fear. And yet, so many live fearfully.   This is not the same as those people in our world who truly live in a place and/or situation where their life and loved ones are threatened regularly.   I am talking about so many who see the world through fear colored glasses, expecting that anything or anyone they do not understand is a threat.   ...
Read more