By Steve Moran

I find myself paying less and less attention to the news. Every news site is looking for stories of ugliness, because it draws in readers. It doesn’t matter how random or non-representative of the world it is. Politicians are more interested in making those of the other side look and sound terrible than they are in making the country a better place.

It is easy to believe this conflict narrative we are bombarded with is a reflection of who the people of this country are. And, in truth, it is so easy for us to get sucked into the negative conversation to the point that we in fact become a part of the problem.

A couple of weeks ago I got into a discussion with someone in our industry about vaccinations. And, before long, they had launched into a version of how terrible those people on the other side of their political spectrum were and I started to play the game. It wasn’t fun, and I stopped, but I was left with a feeling of sadness about the state of the world.

AND THEN . . .

Christmas Lights 

I am a huge Christmas fan. I love everything about it. But there is something really really special about driving around in the evenings and looking at all of the houses that have lights, inflatables, reindeer, Santas, elves, nativity scenes, and more. It is clear that many of the people living in these homes have spent hundreds or even thousands of dollars purchasing these decorations.

Then they spent hours putting up lights and the other wonderful decorations.

And they do this for . . .

EVERYONE ELSE

Their neighbors and strangers, but mostly strangers. Mostly the people living in the homes don’t see their own lights and decorations. They do it for people who just happen to be driving down the street. They do it because they know that for a few weeks each December they are able to put a smile on the faces of people they will never know, smiles they will never see, but smiles nonetheless. 

Great Faith

This gives me great faith in humanity, in the people of our great nation. It is pure goodness. There are no politics in Christmas decorations (mostly anyway). They are there to give joy to Republicans, Democrats, Independents, and everyone.

They do it without any expectation of even a thank you.

They do it because they have good hearts.