Everyone wants an easy life where everything always goes well and there is no stress or complication. It would be great if all our stories had happy endings, and nothing terrible, painful or disastrous ever happened. That works in storybooks, but isn’t generally the case in real life. Some roads are paved and clear, and when we sail along without trials or problems, life is great. There are sunny skies overhead and we feel good. But change is constant and nothing can stay the same forever. Trouble comes to us all. Lovers leave, jobs disappoint, others hurt us, we’re short on money and patience, and there are dark clouds looming. Everyone’s experience is different, and even when we know someone well, we may have no idea what they’re going through inside. Our personal sorrows are private and we may not wish to share them. Instead of putting everything out in the open and letting everyone see what’s wrong, we may slap a smile on our faces, and pretend all is well. We might push ourselves through the heartache and keep going. There is no way to know what anyone else is really going through unless they tell us, and private pain is just that – private. Still waters look lovely, and the sun glistening on the surface can never expose what is happening underwater. There may be piranhas, sharks, poisonous plants or a number of other terrible possibilities. If we only see the surface, we only have part of the story. People are the same way. They may look fine on the outside, and be suffering a terrible pain on the inside. Life isn’t always easy and we’re all going to suffer at some point. By being patient and listening, even when things look fine, we can be supportive and helpful to those around us.
Some people guard their emotions. They don’t share their troubles with others, and when things go wrong, they may prefer to face them alone. We may learn of their difficulties through someone else, and want to help while still honoring their privacy. By extending ourselves we can do something for them without prying into their personal lives. Just being there and offering our friendship can soothe a difficult situation and make the road ahead a little easier.
Sometimes people are short, impatient or rude with those around them. Maybe they’re just impolite, or maybe there is something more going on. Painful situations can cause a lot of stress and if someone near us is acting out in difficult ways, before we lash out we can step back and look at everything objectively. There may be more to the story than we can see. Being supportive and kind, even in difficult situations, may go a long way toward healing a broken heart or painful experience. We’re all in this together, and by showing we care, and helping those around us, we can bring great light into the world.
Today, remember that things are not always as they seem. Be kind and supportive to those around you, and willing to help when needed. Your light can lift others and brings comfort and cheer to those in need. The whole world is blessed because you are here. There is greatness in you, and you bring goodness to us all.
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