17 Small ways to shine a light in the darkness

There are times when the world feels particularly heavy and dark, but I don’t want to pretend for a moment that this is anything new. 

The darkness of evil is always present. It just becomes more or less obvious to our eyes at different times. 

All the way back in 1845, abolitionist James Russell Lowell described how evil so often seems to have the upper hand:

Yes! God is always with us. And in imitation of the one who is the Light of the World, we can find ways to shine a light for goodness, truth and beauty in our own small ways.

How can we immerse ourselves in love when our hearts are heavy? How can we fight evil with goodness in our ordinary lives?

I want to actively help put more goodness out into the world, even in the smallest of ways. Here are a few little things you might do this week to choose truth, beauty and goodness while the news is heavy and hard.

The peace of praying the Rosary or joining with others in prayer at Mass feels especially needed right now. Storming Heaven with prayer is one of the most direct ways we can help.

Or have a family over for dinner or invite a friend (or how about a lonely neighbor?) over for tea or a dessert. Offering hospitality is one of my favorite ways to put goodness out into the world. 

I’m finding solace in reading from the Bible. Today my kids and I were reading from the Psalms, and this verse stood out to me: “Arise, Lord! Lift up your hand, O God. Do not forget the helpless.” (Psalm 10:12)

Reaching out across the distance reaffirms the bonds of love, even when you can’t be together in person.

Bringing a nourishing meal to someone who is sick or has a new baby or could use a night off from cooking is always appreciated. Perhaps there is an elderly person living in your neighborhood who would appreciate your home cooking!

Those who sing pray twice, right? Beautiful hymns proclaim our loyalty to the God who is Love.

Babies are all that is good in this world.

Make your kids happy and immerse yourself in their imaginative world for a little while. 

She’ll be glad to have time with just her newborn, and at least for my family, this occasion doubles as a super fun play date for my kids with their little friends.

Nature heals the soul. Going outside always lifts my spirits when my heart feels heavy. Give praise to God for creating such a beautiful world.

Even if it’s just a routine weeknight dinner, take a minute to choose place mats or lay a pretty tablecloth, or set flowers on the table. Setting a beautiful table is a sweet way to honor and cherish this time with your family.

Lighting a candle, especially to pray with your loved ones, is a visible symbol of chasing away the darkness.

Getting a handwritten card always makes my day, so this is a sweet way to spread a little happiness.

Working with our hands calms and centers our minds and hearts. 

A fresh bouquet of flowers is always appreciated. Bonus points if you bring them from your garden!

Music is proven to lift your mood, so this is a go-to remedy for hard days around here.

A quick text saying, “I’m so glad we’re friends” goes a long way to warm someone’s heart. 

These little acts might not seem like they add up to very much. But keep fighting the good fight, friends.

Keep loving those babies. Choose to be grateful, and generous. Build up your friends and communities.

With each choice we make for love, we are holding up outposts of light in a world that is too often darkened by sin.