Kindness counts. A few years ago, our beloved boy dog suffered a medical emergency and ultimately passed away. To lose my loyal pet and little cuddler took my breath away. I cried through the painful process of saying goodbye. Just when my light was dim, a stranger made a difference. On the way home from the vet, my husband and I went through a drive-thru to buy coffee to reduce our exhaustion. As we pulled up to pay, we were informed that the person in front of us paid for our order. My broken heart was suddenly filled with warmth from the kindness of a stranger. They will never know how their thoughtful action lifted us when we were scraping the bottom. From that experience, I learned that we CAN make a difference – to carry a torch and light the way for others who may be burdened with some form of darkness. What could be a better time to spread light, thoughtfulness, and cheer than during the holiday season and new year to come?
The holiday Torch
The holiday season sports dazzling lights
With crackling fires on blustery nights
Winter stars shine bright beyond measure
As holiday music delights homes with much pleasure
Children animatedly peer under the tree
As a whistling train circles round in a spree
There’s likely mulled cider steeping on the stove
The scents so bright of cinnamon and clove
There are children on stage playing the Nativity
Excitedly waiting for Santa with youthful naivety
The menorah is lit, sharing light by flame
And families spin dreidels, a beloved game
Relatives may gather for the Feast of the Seven Fishes
Or to celebrate roots and share in warm wishes
Yet while joys of the season are to be boast
Some others may not be as lucky as most
Their brokenness may be silently carried
Beneath the bright lights, some may feel harried
Perhaps they are dealing with loss of a loved one
Such as a lonely father missing a son
Or might they be hiding years of abuse?
Perhaps they’ve given up and become a recluse
Or maybe they’ve received a medical diagnosis
And are sadly facing a difficult prognosis
Though we might never hear the stories of others
We know that all humans are deep down our brothers
To hold the door for someone in need
Is a truly kind gesture and a very good deed
To give up a close parking space at the mall
To lend a hand if someone should fall
To offer a compliment without a cue
To buy a cup of coffee for the person behind you
To offer your seat on the bus to someone standing
To carry a neighbor’s package to their front landing
To foster an animal in need of a home
To say hello or offer shalom
To invite a lonely friend to your holiday affair
To volunteer to show you care
To help an elder without pause
To donate generously to a homeless cause
Sweet gestures, at times, may appear inconsequential
Though in life they are vital, a crucial essential
For to light the way for others in need
Will help all to thrive and joyously succeed
Will you carry the torch?
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