Thinkin 'bout the good stuff!

Last week I got to meet a young woman who made me think about all that's good in this world.  So often it seems we/I focus on the failures of our society.  When I think that 1 in 8 families in the US is dealing with hunger, I'm well aware something is definitely out of kilter, and there is much work to do; however, from time-to-time, I think the human psyche, individually and collectively, needs some motivation, a pat on the back, an "atta boy or girl".  I know mine sure does.  It's easy to see so many things around us that need to be made better. The ever-present need for instant gratification, makes it difficult to perceive "the arc of the moral universe" and its bent toward justice, and we, I, need a reminder of its course.  I want to take this moment to tell you about some of the good in this world.

Nichole Ledford is the first owner of a Habitat for Humanity home in Pope County.  I had heard about Nichole, but I had not met her.  Habitat as a movement has always made good sense to me.  Meeting Nichole only confirmed my belief in the organization.  Nichole is a single mother of 4 children, the oldest of whom is 10.  Shortly after being widowed the family's home was destroyed by a fire.  Nichole applied to Habitat and was chosen.  Together, they built a house, and now she has set about the business of making it a home for her family. 

Nichole came in the shop last week to pick out some art for the new house.  As she perused the prints, many of which were Arkansas scenes, she was naming the locations.  She was recalling briefly times past when she had been camping at such-and-such with so-and-so.  She was remembering happy days.  That made me smile with and for her, well and for me too because I was getting to witness it.  What I loved most about her was the sense of hope she exuded.  Here was a woman looking toward her future full-on when by all rights she could easily have been chained to her past.  That's impressive.  She found her print, mat and frame, and as Owner was getting all that together, Nichole and I began to visit.  We talked about the work of building the house, how she had done more things than she could have ever imagined.  She never saw herself hanging drywall or laying tile, but the pride and gratefulness in her speech and on her face made me think, "this is good.  really, really good". 

Having met Nichole, hearing her story, learning of her determination to move forward made me just plain feel good deep in my bones.  I was proud of the community where I live.  I was heartened to know that we can make a difference; we DO make a difference for good and justice in this world, and what a difference it can be.  I was super happy that she found a piece of art that made her happy, and that would help make her new house become her new home. 

Learn more about Habitat For Humanity here:  http://www.habitat.org