I’m sad about Anthony Bourdain and Kate Spade and Robin Williams. Three apparently great lives, ended on purpose by those living those lives.

Two things strike me about this:

1. Envy is overdone. These folks suffered massively yet so many would have traded for their circumstances. Be careful what you wish for.

Your life is unique and special. It, and you, are a gift from God. Focus on your own path and stop envying. No life is perfect.

2. The world is getting meaner and more selfish. Gratuitous evil and cruelty are becoming normal. Nice people are soft. Kindness and grace are weak.

Except they aren’t soft or weak. Simply being nice improves the world. Acts of kindness and grace are why the Lord put us here. Kindness is the most powerful antidote to evil I know.

It’s often said that people are fighting battles we know nothing about and therefore we should be kind. This is true and is exemplified by these famous sad people who couldn’t battle anymore.

Remember too that for every Bourdain or Spade there are thousands or millions of others struggling too. You can help some of them.

You matter. You are loved. You are important. Stay with us. You aren’t alone.

God bless you.