What's right with the world.....

While driving home from work last night, I was glued--tuned into--the local news radio. I was anxious to hear of the rescue of the 33 miners in Chile. The "Capsule" had been lowered down and the first miner was on his way up. During the wait, the reporter in studio was talking to someone from a US Mine Agency. The reporter, was obviously going with the "Feel Good Story of the Year" angle asked the question: "What have they done right here?" The response from the US Mine Agent was: "It's not about what they have done right. It is about what they did wrong to get them here in the first place." The reporter was obviously caught off-guard as he had to redirect his questions.

It bothered me! It bothered me a lot! The world has literally been unified with these miners and their families. Prayers offered, letters sent, cheers erupted when it was announced the miners where alive and even more last night as the first miner emerged from the capsule. But here we had someone that decided to be the "Debbie Downer" of the night and attack rather than cheer on and support. That's whats wrong with this world. We are too easily relaying our own interests, casting doubt, and trying to be the center of attention that we often times don't see the good things of the world. The beauty that is all around us and the good that is in people.

It made me think. There is goodness in this world, there are good people and they are doing good things. I began looking around; first thing I noticed was in sports. Right now it is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The NFL is raising awareness of this, by encouraging players and coaches to incorporate pink into their hats, cleats, gloves, towels etc. Seeing a rugged football player sporting something pink is bound to cause a few people to ask and will hopefully raise awareness.

Another example in sports, to a lesser extent was the Texas Rangers. Last night after they won their Division Series, instead of the initial Champagne celebration, they used Ginger Ale. They wanted the entire team to participate and they have one fellow teammate that battles with substance abuse, so they used something to help him celebrate.

These are just a couple of recent sports examples. We have probably all seen the video clip of the softball players that helped an opposing player go around all the bases when she blew out her knee running to base.

Sometimes it takes a bit to find the blooms in the cactus. Giving a courtesy wave to a driver that allowed you to merge in congested traffic. Today, while at lunch, I stepped away to refill my drink and when I returned my friends had cleared away my tray for me. There are so many things that are right with this world.

One of my favorite things is the unconditional love that a dog has for his owner. Every time he/she sees you they come running to you and can knock you down they are so happy you are there.

Maybe it is the sound of a river or creek rushing by.

We all have those small things that make us happy. It might be the people in our lives, doing good for people, the sound of a bird singing, the cool breeze of an autumn car ride. Whatever it is, be thankful for it.

Here is my challenge for you. It is a two part challenge. #1 Start finding what is right in this world, instead of what's wrong. #2 I would love for you to share any other ideas about what is right with this world. Let's recognize them and pass along the good things.