A Better Place




	Out in my backyard in front of a family cemetery stands a small, lone Maple tree. This tiny Maple was planted several years ago by a neighbour of mine who has since moved away. It isn't very tall and last year an ice storm nearly split it in two. Still, it brightens my day to look out upon it. It continues to thrive and grow taller each year.
	In the Spring its buds announce the rebirth of life to a sleeping world. In the Summer its large, green leaves provide shade from the sun, oxygen to the air, and joy to my heart. In the Autumn its colours join in the symphony of beauty that blesses the woodlands of my home. In the Winter its snow covered branches shine in a glorious, crystal whiteness. Everyday and in every season this little tree does what God meant for it to do and makes this world a better place.


	If this little tree can do so much to make this world a better place then just imagine what you can do. A single human life has so much more potential than a little tree does to bring beauty, joy, love, and life to this world. You could plant hundreds of trees and thousands of flowers in your life time. You could bless this world with countless acts of kindness, goodness, caring, and love. You could share endless smiles, laughs, and hugs. You could create a million moments of joy and touch ten million hearts and souls with them. You could share more 'I Love You's' than you ever believed possible and give more delight to the world than you knew existed. You could inspire the hearts, minds, and souls of so many others to do the same. You could bring so much joy, love, goodness, and God to this world and make it a better place just by being in it. Don't give up on life then. Don't let yourself drown in despair. Choose and share love and joy today and always. Do what God meant for you to do and make this world a better place.
	Joseph J. Mazzella