The uplifting light of good

A brilliant sunset over Woodstock Village in Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

Nature holds beauty for us every day. Just when we don’t expect it, another inspired scene unfolds and fills us with awe.

I felt that way recently, when going for a walk in Woodstock Village and seeing the setting sun, with a brilliant, orange blaze over the nearby ridge line.

What a sight to behold, and I only had a few seconds to see it. In less than a minute, the sun had retired, and the dark was rapidly setting in. But just as clear was the idea that the sun would return the following morning, regardless of whether clouds would accompany it, or not.

Watching that inspiring sunset reminded me of the goodness in the world. Its power touches the heart, and, like warm sunlight, it reaches each of us — in the form of people helping one another, or in other successes we may not always hear about. Clouds of negativity, fear, and despair may hide it sometimes. Commentaries about the impacts of political strife, hate, war, and fear may pervade consciousness. But right there where the world seems at its worst, there are people helping each other survive in difficult times, helping their neighbors in need, and stepping up when the community needs them. That constant expression of love is illuminating the light of goodness — the light that remains within us all.

With such expressions of love and compassion at the helm, the challenges in the world have not defeated good. That love is a real force in the world, here and now. There is a certain strength in the love people express and the good they cherish. When one person helps another, whether the task be small or large, it helps move us forward and see the brilliant, inspired hues of being, and it ushers clear skies into view. Let’s demonstrate that kindness today, in the moment, because we can’t take back yesterday’s moments, and we can’t borrow from tomorrow’s.

Even when times are difficult and we see clouds moving in, there’s always a glimmer of hope just around the corner. There is blue sky waiting to come through, to reassure us that good is here and remains a strong, uplifting force in this precious world we all share.

— Gareth Henderson