It began yesterday when I came home from an errand and parked the car in the spot facing the house and right beside the sidewalk. Something in the car caught my attention so I sat for a moment, looking down. When I raised my head, there on the sidewalk, perfectly framed by the window, was an unknown–to-me child of about four, smiling and waving. I grinned, waved back (as one does), and got out of the car just as the mother joined her in her square of sidewalk. “Thank you,” I said to the child, “My day is better because of your greeting!” “And thank you, too,” I said to the mother, who was also smiling, “She is thoughtful and kind.” They clasped hands, kept smiling, and swung arms gently as they moved on their way.

This morning, it was raining as I went to run some errands down the street. Between here and Bookmark, a five minute walk, no fewer than three people who do not know me glanced up from puddle look-out and said ‘Good morning!’ My mental Rolodex was flipping but not landing on anything as my head tilted slightly and I responded in kind to each salutation.

I also did a mental review of what I was wearing…nothing of special note, to be sure. I even licked my lips to see–excess of toothpaste, perhaps? Nope.

This concentration of goodness got me thinking about the different ways atmospheric pressure affects people–of all ages. The news of late has created a rather wild storm within the world…whether it’s news of war and bombs, federal workers not being paid, Arts funding cuts, museum closures, or the latest round of lawsuits to do with Social Media and its adverse effects on children and young adults. That is pressure enough to provoke a societal migraine for sure and certain–for some, the inundation means closed off senses to protect against the onslaught and overload, a distance from…in order to cope or simply not fall to bits.

But for others in the midst of this cooker-full of bad news, uncertainty, and upset, the instinct is to counteract the pressure with the release of the gentler side of humanity. To choose kindness and the simple acknowledgement of being. A protest by way of decency and joy as well as by the work of advocacy on behalf of justice, and peace.

I simply find that beautiful. And enticing. Kinda makes me want to invite others to join me and maybe splash in those puddles…just because.