I snapped a shot of one of my old calendar pictures
(2003) with a verse by Robert Louis Stevenson that sends a gentle message.
Sometimes it’s difficult to find comfort in the world today, what with strife
and struggles clearly happening almost on our doorsteps, now that social media
can reach out to all of us with true accounts from all over the globe. Not only
do these stories bring fear and uncertainty into our lives, but, also, a sense
of confusion as to what we can do to help.
Someone once said that a tree is only as strong as
its base, with deep roots firmly holding on to a solid foundation. Before we
can reach out to others, we must make sure our roots are firmly grounded. I see
that message in this short verse on my old calendar. We should look for the best
in things closest to us and we’ll be comforted and blessed to find the sweetest
things in life. While we’re doing that, our roots will grow strong and cling
tightly to the things that really matter. That growing strength will reach out
to others and help lift them up. As
Elizabeth Ann Seaton said, “Live simply, that others might simply live”.
