The news media keep flogging the darkness in our world. Cruelty and selfishness seem to be growing.  Wars just never seem to end. Hunger and poverty are not shrinking. In fact, with the population explosion in third world countries, it seems hunger and poverty are increasing. Sometimes it’s hard to hang onto my belief that we are slowly progressing as human beings towards a world of peace and love. I keep telling myself I cannot lose hope, for hope is essential for living.

Twice in the last two days, I have been reminded about the goodness in this world. Yesterday, my granddaughter and I went for lunch at the Galley Pub on Church Street in Pickering Village. As we were preparing to pay the bill, our waiter came to tell us that the young man sitting around the corner from us had already paid for our lunch. Of course, we thanked him. He smiled. I told him that his act was a sign that goodness and generosity was on the rise. My granddaughter and I left that restaurant with smiles on our faces, feeling loved. The sun seemed to be shining just a little bit brighter.

Today, while I was at the Arts Festival in Cobourg, I walked downtown for a snack and a cup of tea. I chose the “Buttermilk Café” on King Street. The friendly waitress suggested the chef’s special dessert, pumpkin cheesecake. It was scrumptious. I ate it slowly savoring every bite. Again, when I offered the waitress my credit card to pay my bill, she informed me that the two ladies that had been sitting across from me had already paid it. As I walked back to the church, my heart was lighter, my energy higher, my spirit flying.

Twice in two days, I have been the recipient of a random act of kindness. I have received a strong message. In my heart ,God is saying, “Don’t give up hope. In the midst of what seems like an epidemic of selfishness and greed, this country is rising up with love.”

There is a movement afoot. The general population is being infiltrated by people determined to live generosity and love. Hope abounds. Random acts of kindness and pay it forward choices can bring new life. I am truly grateful.