Here's the Good News

Do you find bad news exhausting? The problem is, you can’t escape it. Politicians are grumbling, celebrities are bellyaching, the news media are ranting, and even social media friends are whining. (Ugh!) You’d think there’s no good news anymore.

Complaining never solved a problem, and it never will.

Don’t get me wrong. Of course, we have our share of problems, BUT there’s still plenty of good news if you just look around. The fact is, there are plenty of people doing incredible things to put a smile on someone’s face, help people in need, and make the world a better place. You just have to open your eyes.

A World of Good

There are many Good Samaritans who perform acts of kindness behind the scenes, without seeking attention. Their efforts improve the lives of us all. Here are some examples:

A man was waiting in line at the cashier when he noticed the lady in front of him had purchased a large grocery list. Even though he didn’t know her, he picked up her tab.
Everyone in town was heartbroken when a woman’s husband passed away, unexpectedly. A few weeks later, her dentist showed up on her doorstep — with his toolbox. He said, “Put me to work. I can fix anything.”
A couple had a hard time conceiving a baby, so they received fertility treatments. When the wife got pregnant, she was so grateful for her good fortune that she began picking up out-of-town patients at the airport and shuttling them to the treatment center.
A man received so much enjoyment playing Santa Claus when his kids were young that he began visiting hospitals to spread Christmas cheer to sick children. He started this Santa adventure 40 years ago and continues to do it today.
A retired Air Force colonel heads out on his adult tricycle every year to plant American flags commemorating Memorial Day, July 4th, and Veterans Day. Armed with his handy drill, he plants flags every 20 feet alongside the curb, covering an expanse of over 2,000 feet in his neighborhood. Let freedom ring!
A college sophomore persuaded over 150 girls to donate 10 inches of their hair to Locks of Love. This organization makes wigs for children who have medical conditions that cause them to lose their hair.
A woman volunteered a few hours each week to teach a 67-year-old man how to read. This wish-come-true enabled him to read to his baby granddaughter before she went to bed every night.
A man received an urgent plea from a friend who was going to be evicted if he couldn’t come up with the rent. Even though the two had lost touch for over 25 years, he gave his friend three months’ rent to help him get back on his feet.

Do Yourself Some Good

Some people complain; others act.

While some people sit on the couch — complaining — others are making a significant contribution every day. They’re neighbors helping neighbors, friends lending a helping hand, and people showing kindness to others they don’t even know. These folks don’t want, nor do they expect, anything for their kindness. They know they’re making a difference and that’s good enough for them. They’re spreading cheer, making people feel special, and going out of their way to touch people’s lives. The world is certainly better because of these folks. And we can learn a lot from the example they set. So there you have it. Even though bad news travels fast, there’s a lot of good in the world!