Overwhelming is only one of many descriptors assigned to the world today. News images and stories are at times both horrific and disappointing. We face the stark fact that in successive generation after generation, our current setting is largely the best we can muster. It leaves us bewildered and notably discouraged. If we want a better world, we’ll have to start over with the small stuff, like being kind to one another or going out of our way more frequently than we have in the past, though it might be less convenient for ourselves.

It’s not an easy task, nor is it something which will flourish overnight. It is essential, however, that each of us in our own time, manner, and place set forth to achieve more good than bad, greater thought than not, and become welcomers of light in the dark places of our own and others’ soul. Doing so will teach us who we are and who we will likely become. Surely, we are capable enough to become examples of a better existence. Might this be part of our scriptural and spiritual calling to engage even more deeply in times such as this?

Why anoint us to the task? Because there is untapped wisdom, experience and knowledge in plain sight right here in front of us: parents, grandparents, siblings, mentors, guides and deep friends who yearn to learn a little more each day, unselfish in sharing such a daring resource with others (even the youngest among us). It sounds a little bit like a prophet/savior of a couple thousand years prior. Not a bad person to emulate, mind you. Let us learn, like Jesus, how to take others to task in caring ways, and together work toward a more compassionate life of sharing. It is encouraging to hear that the one most oft repeated answers to the question of what would Jesus have us do, is to love one another. Hard to ignore simplicity.

Back to the compassion that is so badly needed in these days of turmoil. Try feeling good about what you can do and set aside those things which do not come as easily. It might not be their moment to be raised or recognized and it might possibly mean returning to the same resources time after time before perceiving their true value. Big stage political leaders could stop most of the insane violence tomorrow if they desired. It doesn’t let people off the hook for their behaviors, but it is, at its base, one of the few truths of modern conflict.

So, continue to work on the little things knowing they are the only way to the big things. It might feel frustrating and confining, but it yields results in the end if we are patient and willing. My daily incentive comes from children born of the conflicts, knowing many will never know the joy of growing up in a safe environment despite humankind’s arguments to the contrary. Pick your project, your person, your event to hone your skills and develop your empathy. Think and act compassionately. You may never know when it will be needed or found at your doorstep.