Acts of kindness brighten lives
Nothing is ever truly certain. Despite this, I can usually greet each new day with joy. However, sometimes, the uncertainty of personal or global circumstances weighs me down. When I feel overwhelmed, I often encounter situations or receive words of encouragement from unusual places or people. I see it as messages from Above, delivered in different ways. They bring light to my life.

Words that brought peace
One cold winter morning, I sat on the train, lost in my troublesome thoughts, when my eye caught graffiti on a construction site. The words, written in German, made me pause. Slowly, I read them, trying to understand, “Ich leg Mein Leben nur in Gottes Hand.” – “I put my life only in God’s hands”
It struck me that someone had written this — illegally, no less — in life-sized letters for every passing train passenger to see. I wondered who else, like me, had found comfort in those red spray-painted words.

I have discovered that reading Bible verses or passages in various languages can be surprisingly helpful. Every language conveys ideas differently, offering new perspectives and often enhancing my understanding.
Words of recognition from a stranger
Later that same day, I took the train back home. As I boarded, I noticed my German friend sitting with another friend, and they warmly invited me to join them. We had a wonderful conversation and discovered that my friend’s mother, like mine, would soon be celebrating her 80th birthday. I shared how we had put together a book for my mother that contained stories and anecdotes spanning over 80 years.
Near the end of the journey, a woman around our age, whom I didn’t know, stood up to leave. Just before stepping off the train, she pressed a small white piece of paper into my hand. Confusion washed over me; I assumed she was asking for help. Carefully, I started reading the handwritten message.
The message

Dear Stranger
Sorry for eavesdropping, but I wanted to let you know that I loved your idea to ask friends and family to share stories about your mom and turn it into a book. You inspired me! I did something similar, showing my mom how rich her life (90 years) was by collecting photos of the last 50 years (my age) and turned them into a book called “Happy Moments.”
I managed to thank her quickly before she left the train, but I wished I had her name and number to make contact for a proper conversation. My German friend assumed I knew the woman and wondered why I had not invited her to join us. She was even more surprised when she learned the note was from a stranger. “This doesn’t happen in Switzerland!” she remarked, reflecting on how private people’s lives often are.

The woman’s note truly brightened my day. There’s a saying, “Kindness is igniting a light in someone else for no reason other than to watch them glow.” The woman was both brave and kind. I believe that her impulsive gesture not only helped others but also made her feel good. I’ve read that small acts of kindness can brighten others’ lives and increase the giver’s serotonin, which is the hormone that contributes to feelings of happiness.
Invitation to make people feel Included
A few years ago, I reconnected with my high school math teacher. We had not seen each other in many years. During a visit to Kathu, she invited my mom and me to join a group of locals at her farm to sing Christmas carols. She treated us to a delicious home-cooked meal and shared inspiring words.

Since then, she has made it a priority to visit my mom whenever she is in town. Having lost her husband a few years ago, she understands what it feels like to be alone. She often invites my mother to the farm to sing along with others and even arranges transportation for her. It is her way of spreading joy and sharing love, ensuring that others feel seen and included.
Give help where it will make a difference
These days, technology allows many people to invest and trade online. Given the world’s unpredictable state, the markets can be volatile. Sometimes, investors win, and other times, they lose. My eldest son finds online trading particularly interesting and has helped me through his journey to become more informed about what is happening in the financial markets.

At one point before the American election, things were going well with his investments, and he made a good profit. Grateful for his success, he shared part of his earnings with people he believed needed it. I know he, for example, gave money to the local gas station attendant and a security guard. When I asked him about it, he explained, “Mom, I believe money should flow. I give it with love and find joy in seeing someone’s face light up with surprise.”
It is easy to brighten someone’s day
Each of us can brighten someone else’s day. We all possess unique gifts and opportunities to make a difference. Sometimes, it takes a little courage to step outside our comfort zones. The delight of watching someone’s expression shift to one of astonishment makes it all worthwhile.

It doesn’t always require grand gestures. Even a simple call, message, or visit can brighten someone’s day more than we realise. God sends messages through people and nature to brighten our days and lives.
Kind regards
Emsia