“How are you able to look at the good in situations, to continue to feel hope, when today is a day typically filled with such sorrow?”
This question found its way via email to my inbox this morning. And it was one that stuck with me.
As I thought about that question, my eyes landed on this photo displayed in our home. It is one of my favorites and was taken when my son was a little over a year old.
My dad was a firefighter for 40+ years. A true “helper” in every sense of the word; he always has been, and my guess is that he always will be. He, and my mom, raised me to always look for the good in others, to extend a helping hand whenever I am able, and to greet the world with love in my heart.
And whenever I think of my dad, I think of this wisdom that Fred Rogers (aka Mr. Rogers) shared:
When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, “Look for the helpers, you will always find people who are helping.”To this day, especially in times of disaster, I remember my mothers’ words, and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers- so many caring people in the world.
Perhaps that is why the Fred Rogers quote is one to which I return again and again. When I focus on the helpers of the world, I too, feel comforted.
For when I bring my focus to the helpers, I see my dad. I see courage. I see compassion. I see the inherent goodness of human beings. I see love in spite of the suffering.
And this, gives me hope.
