How do we know?

I saw her across the crowded grocery store. She looked perfect. Each hair on her head smoothly in place, expertly applied make-up, beautifully manicured nails, clothes freshly ironed. I glanced in her cart as I came closer, grabbing a plastic bag to fill with tomatoes. Even her cart was organized. Three boxes of whole grain cereal, several kinds of fruit, frozen corn and peas, and two cans of frozen orange juice concentrate neatly arranged. She reached for a bag of mixed green salad and I noticed the large sparkling diamond on her left hand. How was I to know, inside, she was falling completely apart?

Are we really seeing those around us? Those in ordinary situations we meet everyday? How do we know who needs a warm smile, a hello, a few words of friendly conversation? Do we think it couldn't be the ones crossing our path looking as if they have it all together. Is it really just the ones whose countenance is more obviously down or looking needy in some way?

January first, the beginning of a brand new year. We're faced with a declining economy, increasing loss of homes and jobs, an unfinished war, and the leading baton of our government is passing hands. In some ways the future seems more uncertain in many of our lifetimes than ever before. Money may be tight, and worries heavy--but kindness, what is most important--is still free.

The very nature of kindness
Is to spread.
If you are kind to others,
today they will be kind to you,
and tomorrow to somebody else.

- Sri Chinmoy

Look a little closer

Life.

It can be difficult.

It can be wondrous.

Today the snow is falling, its whiteness a stark contrast to the red and gold leaves on the tree outside my window. I don't always welcome change, and the darkness of winter, its cold wetness and unpredictable weather can leave me feeling vulnerable and unsettled. Fall is my favorite season, the colors vibrant, the air crisp, the bounty of harvest. To me it always is too fleeting, especially in Alaska, the place of my childhood.

Winter can also be magical. Everything blanketed in a thick coating of sparkling crystals of ice, their brightness almost to vivid to see. Laughing children throwing snowballs bundled snuggly from head to toe, sipping hot chocolate by the fire, feeling cozy and warm surrounded by family and friends. The celebration of the birth of He who loves us all.

If we look close enough, good can be found anywhere.

A traveler nearing a great city asked a woman seated by the
wayside. "What are the people like in the city?"

"A terrible lot," the traveler responded. "Mean, untrustworthy,
detestable in all respects."

"Ah," said the woman, "you will find then the same in the city
ahead."

Scarcely was the first traveler gone when another stopped and
also inquired about the people in the city before him. Again
the old woman asked about the people in the place the traveler
had left.

"They were fine people; honest, industrious, and generous to a
fault. I was sorry to leave," declared the second traveler.

Responded the wise woman:"So you will find them in the city
ahead."
-author unknown-