When you stop at a traffic light, you’re likely to encounter someone holding a cardboard sign that says, “Please help. No food.”

 

If you browse a news website, you’ll often come across headlines containing words such as murder, death, corruption, accident, war, crime and unemployment.

 

On social media, we often see friends or strangers asking for help, fundraising to support sick children, family members or friends.

 

We live in a broken world, and I don’t know about you, but there are days when all of it – the pain, loss and sorrow – feels overwhelming. No matter where you turn, you’re confronted with suffering. Sometimes it’s at a distance, other times it’s right at your door. It may even be your own reality right now.

 

Yes, the world is filled with heartache, and bad things happen every single day – things I wish were never part of any of our realities. However, it’s important to remember that the world is not only suffering and grief. We must also hold onto a more positive perspective.

 

Life is also beautiful, full of opportunities, miracles and good people who strive daily to make the world a better place.

 

I think of the story of seven-year-old Olu Nkosinkulu, a little boy from Hankey in the Eastern Cape who plays rugby with only one leg and managed to score three tries in a single game. A video of him running like lightning across the field has already been viewed over three million times on social media.

 

That’s just one example of something uplifting and inspiring.

 

There are so many organisations doing incredible upliftment work. So many good-news stories about people rising above difficult circumstances, people finding love and joy in the most unlikely ways, miraculously recovering from accidents or illnesses.

 

No, we must not ignore or dismiss the suffering, but we should also not forget to appreciate the beauty that surrounds us. We must not overlook good work, uplifting stories and inspiring people. Every day is filled with countless small moments of goodness. And for that, we should thank God daily.

 

Prayer: Father, thank you that despite the brokenness in this world, there are also countless beautiful and inspiring people and things. Please help me notice and appreciate them. Amen.