As we celebrate Christmas and other end-of-year holidays with love, joy, and reverence, it’s important to remember that many are suffering and at their wit’s end. They are sad, lonely, stressed, unhoused, jobless, or depressed, often invisible to those around them. A recent Facebook post from a friend prompted me to write this column, dedicated to everyone feeling lost.
Human beings possess an immense capacity for love and connection, yet we often fail to connect with those outside our immediate circles, particularly when their circumstances make us uncomfortable. It’s difficult to relate to the plight of others unless we’ve experienced it ourselves. Judgment, blame, and fear often cloud our perception. In our pursuit of peace and happiness, many choose to ignore the suffering of others rather than offer help or compassion. This is a loss for us all. Empathy enriches our lives, and the gift of compassion is reciprocal.
Suffering is not seasonal; these observations apply year-round. I admire those who reach out to others, volunteering at soup kitchens, befriending lonely seniors, providing meals for sick neighbors, sending cards to those isolated, or simply smiling at a stranger. The possibilities for kindness are endless, and even the smallest gesture is meaningful. It truly is the thought that counts.
Our interactions with others reveal much about our character. Let’s make kindness our guiding principle in 2025. If we have something to offer, no matter how small, let’s share it with those in need.
Lois Kindle is a freelance writer and columnist for The Observer News. Contact her at lekindle@aol.com.