You can't open a newspaper (if such things still exist), turn on the television or listening to the radio without hearing the onslaught of stories involving some type of crime. There are shootings, robberies, kidnappings, murders and cases of parental violence toward children. It's enough for any sane person to turn insane and any crazy person to feel like part of the cool people's club.
Being the news whore that I am, I watch these stories. I hear these stories. I recently discovered a new station on our Dish Network that runs old episodes of Dateline, 48 Hours Mystery and 20/20 - all crime related. I am now addicted...unfortunately.
Whereby I am legally sane, I can't understand what draws me to these shows. I guess I am intrigued by these people who commit crimes. Why did they do the things they did? Murder, theft, domestic abuse...conducting scams. But, at the end of most of these shows, the murderer, robber, spouse, conman is usually caught and found guilty. Perhaps I need to watch these shows to see that a happy ending is possible.
It's easy to get bogged down with the negatives of life. But, when I hear news stories about mothers, fathers, uncles, aunts, friends harming innocent children, it makes it hard to see the good in our society...the good in people. Alas, good people do exist.
And they don't just exist in Mayberry-like communities. They don't just exist in convents, churches, ministries or Beaver Cleaver's home. They are everywhere - yes, even at the whitetrash superstore down the road from me.
Many times you have to search to find an act of kindness. But, there is kindness across this country and around the world. I'm not an expert, but I do know this...kindness does survive in even the most wartorn of areas.
How do I know?
Because I have seen people with nothing give to others in need. I have seen the smile on a child's face when they are hugged. I have seen people share. I have seen people help. Monetarily. Personally. Voluntarily.
Everyday, millions of people help save lives of strangers by volunteering to donate blood. Everyday, millions of people are caring for their grandchildren, sisters, brothers, cousins because the parents can not care for them. Everyday, millions donate food to area food banks to help feed the hungry.
A simple act of kindness - letting someone to go in front of you in line, giving your seat to a pregnant woman - is still an act of kindness. Picking up the phone to tell someone you were thinking about them. Mailing a note to a friend (via the archaic postal system) to brighten their day. Visiting an acquaintance in the hospital. Offering to do housework. Offering to take care of a neighbors kids for free. Helping to find someone's lost pet. Providing encouragement at one's time of need. These are all acts of kindness.
What I have recently learned and observed is that goodness is all around me. The next time an irritating co-worker, an ignorant driver or an unpleasant store clerk threatens to spoil my day, I shall remember the goodness in people.
The saying goes that mean people suck. And they do. I figure, the only thing worse than encountering these people is having to BE these people. So, be a good person and have pity on the mean ones. It sure would suck to be them!
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