Look For the Good

by | Jun 15, 2016 | Throwback | 8 comments

Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.

-Mr. Rogers

I tweeted out on Sunday night that if I had to pick one word to summarize the weekend, it would be disappointed.


It’s very easy to feel sad and disappointed in the world we live in today. The headlines are filled with tragedy, anger, slander and chaos. We hear the bad, very rarely the good. You remember the name of the murderer but often forget the victims.

We allow that to define our society. The bad and the negative. We’re quick to open our mouths and spew hate. We see only what we spotlight.

On Monday night, I stood in a strangers driveway hugging my friends goodbye after another day of defeat, unable to find their dog. The stranger offered her help all day long, offered her code into the private community, waded through thick woods in the 100 degree heat for no real reason. She had no loyalty to my friends. No loyalty to us. Just loyalty to the good.

As I stood there, I said out loud I really like good people. I paused then added, and I don’t really like people at all.


It’s the truth. I find I put too much expectation in people, always optimistic for the best only to be let down repeatedly. It’s my fault, people are quick to point out, for expecting too much. For expecting the good.


I’ll take that blame.
I don’t care.
I will always believe in the good.
I will always find hope.
In the midst of heartbreak, disappointment and utterly horrifying tragedy, I’m reminded of the good. 
The good rarely makes it into the media. The good rarely finds its way to reviews. The good rarely makes headlines. But it still exists. 
This morning, I got a text from my husband. Cal had been found and was returning to his home in Raleigh.

I broke down instantly, sobbing tears of relief and gratitude. This weekend, despite my disappointment, I saw the good.

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8 Comments

  1. Ahhhhhhhh I am so glad to hear that he was found!!! Such wonderful news. I am sure your friend is so relieved. I have always loved that quote from mr rogers. The only good thing from the tragedy this weekend was seeing people lined up to donate blood and offer their support and comfort. I have to know there are still good people out there.

    Reply
  2. Joey you have such a gentle heart and that is why you want to only see the good. There is nothing wrong with that. The world is so big and it's scary! IN such a world, you have to see the good and look bast the horrific. It is the only way to survive!

    Congrats to your friends and the return of their dog! I hope Cal is OK!

    <3 Jenilee

    Reply
  3. I am so glad that he was found! I am right there with you, I don't particularly like people either.

    Reply
  4. I saw your posts on FB all weekend and I just prayed that the pup would be found okay. Seriously, you know I'd be out there looking myself if I were nearby! (And I'm not just saying that…like seriously)

    That quote from Mr. Rogers is always professed during a tragic situation because it's true.

    Reply
  5. So good! I agree…I'm trying to see the good in such a broken world. I do wish there were more news stories on the good stuff…it seems so inundated with the bad. So that's our job to recognize the good!! Go glad the pup was found! 🙂

    Reply
  6. I am SO glad that this ended happily!! ❤️🐶❤️

    Reply
  7. Hi – I'm Cal's neighbors sister! We live about 5 minutes from where Cal was lost and then found. This has been an amazing story. I believe God worked this out for the good for multiple people and Cal.

    Reply
  8. Yess to your perspective on this, and I'm so glad they found Cal, what amazing news!

    Reply

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HI, I'M JOEY

Mama, indie author, wife, believer and friend.

My only hope is that while you’re here, you feel a sense of belonging, comfort and empowerment. Because life is too short to live it worried you’re not good enough.

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