Loving Lately: Good

Our world is in a sad state. When something horrific happens it seems like one who comments (i.e. a blogger such as myself) should comment. I put temporary pressure on my shoulders to report the news, or my perspective thereof, as if I have some responsibility as a dutiful journalist. The truth is since I’m not on the front lines, I would actually just be spouting off my opinions about second hand information (which I am also tempted to do). Of course, I don’t want to seem cold or impervious by not saying anything. And then, after some reflection, I remind myself of what I’m doing. My purpose for doing this. I want to focus on the good. It doesn’t mean I have my head in the sand, or I am oblivious to what is going on. I believe with all my heart that there is a war between good and evil. It means I choose, make a conscience decision, to think about and share good.

I love that quote from Mister Rogers when addressing how to give explanation to children about the scary things that take place, ”My mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’ To this day, especially in times of disaster, I remember my mother’s words, and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers — so many caring people in this world.” I read an article this week about Chick-Fil-A and many other restaurants who donated food to people who waited hours in line to donate blood to help the victims of the massacre. I read a beautiful post from a Muslim man who waited in one of those lines to donate blood, even though he had been fasting during Ramadan, because he wanted to do his part to show that the events that took place do not reflect his beliefs. There is good.

We can not make sense of senseless acts. People say “Be the change…”, I’m not sure that’s possible. As long as we are on earth there is going to be evil- in all of its forms. I want to be the difference. So I will continue to share things I love; my kids and family, recipes and food, gatherings and places… There are enough (even good) people sharing otherwise.

So here is a picture of a few peonies from my garden. I’m not sure if you knew this, but a few years ago my family and I purchased and moved into my grandparents home. After my grandmother passed it sat vacant for a couple years. It was hard to just “put on the market,” we all had too many good years and times here. Anyway, I’m sentimental that way and it worked out that we could. She left a beautiful rose garden and I always assumed all of the flowers that remained were by her. Not too long ago an uncle of mine told me that it was my grandfather who actually wanted the peony bushes. His mother had them while he was growing up, and they reminded him of her. Isn’t that beautiful? Of course, now it is my hope that when my children see peonies they think of me… And maybe one day they will tell their children… 😉