Day 239, August 27

I've written in earlier posts about my disdain for the negatively-focused media, which seems to delight in reporting on people who act selfishly, foolishly, or unkindly. (Does anyone really care about the latest antics of a movie star who displays his immoral behavior for the whole world to witness?) Today, I'd like to share with you a story about my aunt.

Aunt Mae turned 87 on July 3 of this year. She writes a weekly column for the local paper in her small town in eastern Tennessee, in which she shares a recipe, a Bible verse, and an uplifting story. She has the church calling of sending cards to members of the congregation, those who are sick, lonely, or need an extra dose of love.

In talking with her this morning, I learned that she was in the process of making soup and cornbread for two widowers who don't get out much. At 87 years old, she manages to do all this. She doesn't drive, but she manages to make her presence and her spirit known throughout the community.

Every day, she tries to serve a family member, a friend, an acquaintance. What would our world be like if we each followed her example, doing something for someone else every day? Would not our neighborhood, our town, our nation, indeed, the entire world, be a kinder and more compassionate place? I think so.

So, for today, I am grateful for my Aunt Mae.