One Simple Act

Saturday, December 15, 2012

We cannot make sense of the shooting in Newtown Connecticut yesterday.  We have no understanding of the events that led a madman to take the lives of 28 people, mostly kindergarteners. It is incomprehensible.   I haven't yet wrapped my mind around the evil that presented itself in a most graphic manner.  One act that brought horror.

We can respond with fear, trepidation and anger.  Seems natural when faced with such a violent end to innocent lives.  Of course we are outraged, ready to strike out forcefully against any threat to our  own security.  We react with the innate self-preservation actions and feelings.  These are not incorrect or socially irresponsible.

But there are alternative responses we can consider.  We can react to this cloud of evil by shining so much light and love in the world that darkness is obliterated.  We will not reverse the actions taken on Friday by the shooter, but we don't have to allow darkness to beget more darkness.  The way to push away evil is to fight it with LOVE. 

We can show love to our families, our friends, a senior in line at Shop Rite, a pierced teen at Game Stop or animals displaced by Hurricane Sandy.  We can change our thinking when our automatic response to a sarcastic comment from a frienemy is with snarky comeback.  We can choose to overlook a slight by a sister-in-law or a mistake by a waitress at Applebees. 

We can make a donation to a charity where we feel a connection.  We can pray for those experiencing pain of all kinds.  We can let someone else have the close parking spot at Toys R Us.  We can be present in our day, being aware of nuances we may otherwise miss.  One simple act can bring about positive energy.

These are all choices.  They may feel unnatural and require conscious effort.  But be reassured that each small act of kindness shines a glimmer of light into the world, obliterating even a small bit of darkness somewhere.  Do it as a way to honor the lives lost on Friday. Our combined efforts will create a glow large enough to be seen all around the world.

What will you do this weekend to light a spark?