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"What you see depends mainly on what you look for"

september 9, 2024

We live in a crazy world where violence in words and actions has become a common occurrence, where our children have to fear for their lives, where we cannot have a civil conversation around controversial issues. BUT we also live in world where there is beauty, and kindness, and support. The question becomes: what do we look for?

Do you see the beautiful colorfully painted utility boxes throughout Merced? They make me smile every time. Do you see all the different youth activities that Parks and Rec, and community organizations and churches put together? They encourage me and remind that our city does care for our youth. Do you see the many houses of worship, where people come together to look beyond themselves and this world to find deeper meaning and provide resources for their neighborhoods? Do you see the events where our public servants clean up the city, run around in pink to support cancer research, help kids get school supplies and Christmas gifts? Do you see the teachers who care your children and invest hours of extra time to ensure that your kids feel welcomed and cared for? Do you see the many artists in town who sing, dance, paint, act to make our space a more beautiful place? Do you see the homeless who is helping another homeless? Do you see the counselors who point towards healing? Do you see the non-profits who want to make Merced a more merciful city? Do you see the students who invest hundreds of hours volunteering? Do you see the parents who bring snacks, drive kids and help youth thrive? Do you read the stories by the people who want to report the good in the city?

What you see depends on what you look for! So today, take the time to look for the good, to compliment when you see something good. To do something for someone else. Today step away from the controversy of politics and religion, step away from the fear mongering news, step away from the stock market and just for today look for the good.

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