Love. Muskegon. 

Been thinking about you, Muskegon, along with the rest of the state, the country, the world ... Seems as though you've entered into others' thoughts, as well, as we've had visitors here recently from Egypt, Malaysia, Brazil, Poland...

While I'm still processing the major news events of last week - horrific shootings in both Connecticut and Oregon - I'm also still trying to imagine a better world. What can we do? What can I do? 

I just don't know. The other night, I gave a homeless man $3. I said, "Merry Christmas. Enjoy the season." I think he said, "God bless you." I had been thinking about the week's tragedies all the way home from work, then, stopped at a light where I usually look the other way - not because I don't have compassion, but because I think there are better ways to help - I got the urge to give the man on the side of the road with the homemade cardboard sign some money. Did I help anything? I don't know. Did he spend it wisely? I don't know. Did I contribute to keeping him from finding a solution to his problems? I hope not. Logic dictates there are better ways to give money, to solve problems, to help. But this wasn't about any of that. This was about showing some kindness to someone who, for whatever reason, is in a worse situation than I am. 

Thinking about it, I hope that kindness radiated out, that he passed it on, but even if he didn't, that's okay. Because if we all just do some small thing every once in awhile, something to reach out to another human who may or may not be lonely, I believe the world will become a better place. 

But is this why I did it? I honestly don't know. All I can tell you is that I felt a strong urge to do it, and afterward, I started remembering kindnesses that were shown to me throughout my life. People who reached out when they didn't have to. People who made my day, my week, and, ultimately, my life better, for no discernible reason...

And then I got to thinking about places. Communities. People. Connections. I checked the ol' blog, and found people around the country, and the world, were still checking in. What were they finding? Hopefully, a positive representation of a beautiful and inspiring place.

I believe the world is still a beautiful and inspiring place, Muskegon. And I believe the old lumber town on the shores of Lake Michigan plays an important role, just like we all do. I can't wait to go to the beach on Christmas - and seriously, how many people can say that? And in a place that actually has seasons and the chance of a white Christmas? Not too many, that's for sure.

So, Muskegon, don't forget what an amazing place you, and the world, are. Today, think of a time when someone reached out to you in kindness, let it fill you with happiness, then either try to do something small for someone else, or, when you feel yourself getting angry or retaliatory, just remember the pain of loneliness, isolation, or frustration so many deal with during the holidays. The small things add up to making the world a better place - and sometimes, they aren't even things, but words better left unsaid or actions avoided.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, Muskegon. Much love.

--Imaginer