It seems that everywhere we turn we are bombarded with stories of violence and killing; Dallas, Nice, Istanbul, Baton Rouge – to name but a few. This constant barrage of horrific news definitely takes a toll on our individual and collective psyche. Pessimism is the order of the day and there seems to be no escape from it.
I am no exception to the national depression surrounding us. I, too, have been searching for something….anything… that brings even a hint of optimism to my ever disheartening world – but with little success.
Today, however, I was surprisingly jolted out of my ennui because someone sent me the following picture drawn by one of the kids participating in the Smiles Change Lives (SCL) program.
This simple expression of hope and optimism as depicted by a teenager who sees the sun beginning to shine on her life is a true antidote to the awfulness going on in our modern world. To this young woman, the future shows opportunity – light rather than darkness, and why?
…because her life has been unalterably changed because of SCL. All of us associated with our organization can take some responsibility for what has occurred, not only in this girl’s life, but in the lives of all who have passed through our program.
It is too easy to forget the things that we do to bring rays of sunshine to others. What a privilege it is to be able to make such a difference in someone’s life.
So the next time we hear of yet another assault perpetrated on innocent people, despite the terribleness of these acts, let us try to remember, at least for an instant, that there is some good in the world and we have the glorious opportunity to be a part of it.