DECENCY…

I was reading today and came across another writer’s take on the world. She said, “I generally believe the world is good. Translation: yes, there is suffering and evil. But I believe humanity is largely comprised of decency and goodness.” I admit this gave me pause. And it concerned me that I was not immediately certain if I agreed. Do I believe that too? Can I truly say that I believe the world is largely filled with “decency and goodness”?

But at the very least, I can honestly say that I try to start every day fresh. I strive to start anew without clinging to the sorrows of yesterday or gathering worry from tomorrow. I am not purporting that I succeed in this, by any means. There are days that sadness, upset or depression clings to my shoulders like a lead coat. And no matter how roughly I shake it from my neck, it clings and demands to be remembered. Yet I try to break free. I try to recall to mind the stranger that smiled at me the week before. The tenderness of the young father gingerly stroking his baby daughter’s head on the subway train. The homeless man breaking off bits of the day old bagel that was most likely his only meal for the day to share with his pigeon friends.

I force myself to remember the kindness that is in the world. And while it would be untruthful to claim people do not have viciousness and anger and darkness within them. And that many times this merciless reality attempts to smother me, it is more important to cling to the happiness that can be found in unexpected corners. So even when I am knocked down emotionally from life,  or brought to tears by the crippled woman begging for change on a frigid day without the warmth of a coat I can remember that the sunshine of happiness and kindness are radiating somewhere. That decency and goodness can always be found.

What do you think?

(Photo by Annie)