wednesday, April 2, 2025 Quote of the week

"Do your little bit of good where you are; it's those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.”

Desmond Tutu

At times when we least expect it, something magical materializes. It may not be to us directly but rather indirectly through others’ actions. Only if we are watching, only if we are observing, only if we are present, are we able to witness such exceptionality. “Seeing, observing, listening,” philosopher Jiddu Krishnamurti states, “these are the greatest acts.”

On my way home from school, I was stopped at the traffic light. Being several cars back, I was only a few feet away from the sidewalk bordering the local storefronts. People were meandering in and out of several of the shops when I noticed an older couple leaving a hair salon.

The man was holding the door for whom I assume was his wife. She was delicately steering her walker out of the door as she tried to steady her step. The man steadied himself with his cane as he shuffled his way over to join her side. He stopped her and clumsily ambled to her other side, the side closest to the street. He made a gesture to her about the street being so close, and she smiled at him. I then met her eyes, and we smiled at one another. Even in his own feebleness, his intent was protecting her.

Confucius quoted that, “life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.” What I witnessed was so incredibly simple yet was so astounding because it came from genuine love. It wasn’t dependent on gifts or reciprocity; he acted chivalrously and with decency. Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi said, “when the norm is decency, other virtues can thrive: integrity, honesty, compassion, kindness, and trust." That couple has no idea what they did for me. I can only pay it forward.

Even in our own feeble weakness during loss, we can show decency to others.

Storylight A transformational journey SHARON M WIBLE

wednesday, April 2, 2025 Quote of the week

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