The Paradox of Life – Let Us Be There for One Another

Life is surely going good
And then from nowhere
Troubles come pounding
They knock me off my feet
But then comes these angels in human form
Who give me the encouragement
“You are important to me”, they say
“If you need a friend, We are here”.
And then I say to myself:
“Thank God there are compassionate people
Still living in this world.”

Life is surely great
And then out of the blue
Loneliness and depression set in
Because I have suddenly become an orphan, a widow or a widower
Or because I have been told that I can’t have children
But then comes this angel in human form
Who stays by my side through it all,
Who gives me hope, sympathy, and emotional support
Who helps me to lift the heavy load that I am carrying
Off of my shoulders.
And does not leave or abandon me
And then I think to myself:
“Thank God there are caring people
Still living in this world.”

Life is surely beautiful
And then unexpectedly
Grief and sadness strikes
A loved one has left me
Through death, separation, or divorce
I get into mourning mode
But then comes this angel in human form
Who offers a hug and a shoulder to cry on
Who sits down and cries with me
And who says “I can’t really fully understand
What you are feeling, but I can offer my compassion”
And then I sing to myself:
“Thank God there are empathetic people
Still living in this world.”

Life is surely going just fine
And then un-bargained for
Joblessness comes knocking
There is nothing for me and my family to eat
I can’t pay the rent, I can’t clothe my family
But then comes this angel in human form
Who says, “I listen to you talk about it,
and I can’t imagine what it’s like for you.
I just can’t imagine how hard it must be.”
And then offers me and my family food and shelter
Until the time when I get another job
With no strings attached to the offer
And then I whisper to myself:
“Thank God there are philanthropic people
Still living in this world.”

Life is surely magnificent
And then without warning
Sickness comes knocking
The doctor confirms that I have this terminal illness
My children have no one to take care of them
I am in great physical and emotional pain
But then comes this angel in human form
Who soothes me through my agony
Who says “I am sorry you’re in so much pain.
I am not going to leave you.”
And who takes care of me and my loved ones
And then I whisper to myself
“Thank God there are selfless people
Still living in this world.”

Life is surely splendid
And then like a bolt from the blue
False accusations come flying
And the source is my work colleagues
or family members, or the community
They are full of vitriol, hatred and hostility
But then comes this angel in human form
Who comes in and mediates
Who asks all involved to
Find it in their hearts to forgive and live cordially
And reminds all that
“We are primarily on earth not to see through one another,
but to see one another through”
And then I say to myself:
“Thank God there are peace-makers
Still living in this world.”

Life is surely delightful
And then out of the clear blue sky
Physical disability arrives
Naturally or artificially through accidents
I am blind and I need to cross a road
Or I am dumb and I need someone to be my mouthpiece
Or I am deaf and I need someone to be my ears
But then comes this angel in human form
Who lends a helping hand
Who tells me “I care. You’re not alone in this”
And then I think to myself:
“Thank God there are kind people
Still living in this world.”

Life is surely wonderful
But we all need to slow down
Even with our busy schedules
Let’s use our God-given talents
To make life beautiful for others too
Let’s be that angel in human form
Who makes the world a wonderful place
For those who are suffering and in pain
And then they will meditate and say to themselves:
“Thank God there are people who are willing to ride it out together with us
Still living in this world.”