Amid the heartbreak caused by the horrific California fires there are scenes that offer a path to the restoration of hope and revival: generous acts of kindness as the more fortunate reach out to offer food, clothing, and shelter to complete strangers whose lives have been shattered by the fiery catastrophe.

Why does it take the worst possible eventualities to bring out the best of who we are as human beings?

Perhaps because the need is so clearly exposed, the suffering so identifiable. The vivid pictures scream loudly, and we hear the plea and see the desperation and respond without hesitation.

Regrettably, as the flames recede, our outburst of compassion for the struggling families dwindles as well. But generosity of spirit is not linked to headlines and widespread calamity. True bigheartedness is the capacity to see people with generous eyes, with empathy as well as compassion. I’ll lift a sentence from a recent NY Times column by David Brooks to add to the definition: “If you see with eyes of judgment, you’ll find flaws, but if you see with generous eyes, you’ll see people doing the best they can.”

All it takes are little acts of kindness. Thank the woman/man who keeps the restroom at the airport clean and amply supplied and watch her/him beam with appreciation. When you see a marginalized, invisible person with your generous eyes, they no longer feel unseen, they feel valued! The paradox is how much you get in return! (I recommend a book titled “The Serviceberry,” by Robin Wall Kimmerer, a small volume with a big hearted message).

Today’s pejorative and sneering political environment imposes a greater moral demand on all of us to live honorable and purposeful lives. Social media is downloading distorted venom and malice into our brains. Nature is warning us of a Judgment Day that has nothing to do with a messiah at the gates. So yes, a periodic response to catastrophe is admirable, but more is needed: to be kind, considerate and generous as a way of life.