[blockquote source=”Margaret Mead”]Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has[/blockquote]

I was watching a little boy standing alone at the bus stop this morning, a group of older boys standing far away and to the left. I felt so badly for him, as he hung his low – taking on the burden of the other boys’ teasing.

It’s a hard lesson to learn, now isn’t it? That these words spoken in haste often leave the longest lasting imprint. Those of us who know this best, are the ones who suffered most this harshness of cruelty. It leaves us feeling desperately alone in this great big world, and struggling to find our ‘belonging place.’

It reminded me a of a Christmas show I had once watched as a little girl – an animated version of Dicken’s, “A Christmas Carol.” In it, a young Ebeneezer Scrooge is seated alone at his desk, tears forming to puddles onto his notebook – as he thinks of all his school chums who’ve made their way home for the holidays.

But, young Ebeneezer had not place to go and no family, per se…sadly, he was just one boy left so desperately alone in this world.

The story was intended to serve as a reminder – that bitterness is not ever born, rather created. Created sometimes by the most brutal of circumstances.

I remember the song he sang, still to this day:

[blockquote]A hand for each hand
was planned for the world,
so why don`t my fingers reach?

Millions of grains of sand
in the world,
so why such a lonely beach?

Where is the click
to go with my clack?
Where is the voice
to answer mine back?

I`m all alone in this world.”[/blockquote]

For some reason, that image has stayed with me through all of these many years – perhaps, in some small way helping to shape the person that I am today…

Leaving me wishing with all of my heart and spirit, that not one person should ever feel so alone in this world.

I wanted to stop by and reassure this beautiful young man, “My dear, the only words you need ever listen to are the ones coming from your own heart.”

It was the very advice once shared with me by the kindest old man, and when he saw the older children teasing me on one of our school outings.

The gentleness of his words reassured me, that there’s always a place for each heart in this world. And, no matter what those bullies might say.

Sometimes, I wonder if all of these experiences aren’t intended for a much higher purpose?

That this is the way loving-kindness keeps moving, even when life’s bullies would try their best to otherwise deter it.

And so…even though, the bus arrived before I had a chance to pull aside – rest assured, I will share these words with him tomorrow.

Because, in the end…loving-kindness can only flow from one hand to another…

Much love, my most beautiful friends…and may we always be mindful of the power of one simple hand.