Sometimes in amongst all the terrible things going on – beheadings, hatred, terrorism, rampant capitalism, trials, abject poverty, overpopulation and environmental degradation, we lose sight of the great things people are doing.
Out there, right now, are a set of saints pulling out all the stops to make things better.
I salute them.
The health workers dealing with Ebola who put themselves at risk
The aid workers helping the refugees
The reporters trying to tell us what is going on in the war zones
The nurses, doctors and orderlies dealing with the sick and dying in the most deprived parts of the world, in our inner cities
The psychologists trying to comfort and rebuild the lives of the tortured, bereaved and traumatised
The people going out of their way to do kind things, help, give, smile, cuddle and love.
The mediators and peace makers
Those who forgive
The creators of beauty
The environmentalists fighting to save a forest, a tree, a species, a single insect.
Those who give sanctuary to an animal or family
Those who succour and care
Those who give more than they can afford
The educators who are building a better future through knowledge, truth and understanding
These are the heroes! These are the people who deserve medals! These are the people who make life worth living!
Fascism and fanaticism are killed by education and good deeds – not bombs! Help build a better zeitgeist!
So who did I miss out who is deserving of our thanks?