the benefit of the doubt

I have been witness to a lot of love in my neighborhood lately--neighbors helping neighbors, friends helping friends, and family supporting family. I have been awed by the kindness and care that I have seen extended from one to another. And so this is what I know: people are good. In their core, people are good and kind and want what's best for each other, even if we don't agree on what that "best" is. So let's give each other the benefit of the doubt (especially today!). Let's assume the best and focus on the good we see around us.

I am thankful when others extend me that courtesy, and I am happy when I can do the same for them. Looking for the good in others might not come most naturally, but when I make the effort to overlook faults and seek understanding, I feel peace. I feel love. I feel generosity, and I am thankful for the way those things make me feel.