Better Days Ahead
Many years ago, a friend whose life I thought perfect, let me read a card her husband had given her. Inside was a simple handwritten line: “Better days ahead”. As I was to learn, my friend’s marriage had been in desperate trouble for a long time and with a small child to raise, she and her husband were trying marriage counseling to see if things could be put to right. The three straightforward words sounded more like a promise to me than a wish and after I heard the story of their unraveling marriage, I thought it a truly hopeful sign, perfectly penned.
Winter has always been a favorite season, but this time around it has come with a flurry of sad things: a friend’s father died suddenly, loved ones have been plagued with difficult challenges and someone I care about is having a big surgery. Now, a person on the periphery of my work world has taken his own life – a young father. It seems as though the universe simply held its breath until after the holidays and then let it rip. It has been very dark, too…the darkest of January’s. And snowless.
There have been recent nights when I went to bed feeling nothing but aching compassion and love for everyone I know. Along with the prayers on my lips, I dared to send hope to that secret place of magical thinking where pain eases and tragic spells are broken with good deeds. But instead of doing things for strangers and loved ones and using it as a fervent bargaining tool, I discovered that no matter what the outcomes, it always makes sense to be kind. Afterall, as said best by the author, mystic, and irascible fellow human being known as Mark Twain, “…everyone we meet is carrying a heavy burden”.
Snow is still not on the forecast and the darkness is too low for even one starry glint from above. But as I continue to support the troubled people in my realm, I do believe there are better days ahead. We need only wait. With loving kindness for each other.
7 Comments
Coraleen Rawls
Your blog is wonderful. I have taken to reading it either very early in the morning or before bed. There is comfort knowing there are others who think kindness and gentle living are important. I have always longed for a polite society. As I mature I find more pleasure in books and my selected movies and kindred spirited friends. This is a deliberate, self imposed place I have decided to live. The news,and those who want to pull you into the minute by minute happenings in some tragic event have pushed me to protect myself from them and the news they bear. I understand what is going on around me, however I chose not to participate in it. I love your energy, your outlook on life and your general line of discussion. Thank you so much please continue your delightful blog.
Laurie
Such a lovely post. I tried to keep the thought "this too shall pass" throughout difficult times. Winter is not a favorite season {both my parents died in February}, yet I know there are better days ahead when I keep Spring in my heart.
donna macdonald
Thank you all for your kind comments! Better days ahead…no matter what!
Fiona Ferris
'Better days ahead' is certainly a comforting thought to share. Sometimes it does seem that clusters of difficulty surround us. As you say, kindness, and also being the light for others is a compassionate choice. Lovely post Donna.
Anonymous
"Better days ahead." I'm going to hold to that thought, both as a wish and a promise…and maybe a prayer, too.
Donna
What a wonderful phrase "better days ahead". Winter days are difficult at best for many people and with tragic events, it can be a heavy burden indeed. Kindness can make all the difference in a person's day.
Kay
Caring for those we love, and strangers, with kindness is one of the wisest ways I know to be of help in this world. Beautifully, thoughtfully penned, Donna. I'm glad to know that there are people like you in this world!