To the editor:

Wake up every morning realizing each day is a new beginning. Decide that this day will be the best ever! All around us we can see chaos, loss, violence, disruption, evil and discord in every activity or decision that is made by other people or sometimes even a choice of our own

Find a passion and decide to choose reaching out to others. My passion is my growing relationship with Jesus and helping other people who are less fortunate. I chose to reach out in compassion and love toward others whose lives have been shattered or disrupted in one way or another. (That’s possibly all of us at one time or another.) When your passion involves people, it helps to forget your own sorrow and pain. People are worth investing time and effort. Many people go through life with no real direction. They go through life in pain, confusion, grief, high expectations and loss.

Reach out in love and concern — in compassion — not just because you feel you need to do so. In reaching out to others, you will strengthen relationships. I choose to reach out, with God’s guidance to help others in ways I am able to do so.

The Roger Hill Volunteer Center in Lawrence is a good place to start reaching out and finding out what your passion may be.