By Brian Humphrey – Contributor
This past weekend, I found myself in the garden, enjoying a rare moment of tranquility. The sun was shining, and the air was filled with the earthy scent of fresh soil. Just as I began to relax, the peaceful ambiance was shattered by the relentless roar of my neighbor’s chainsaw. It buzzed and whirred all day, a constant reminder of the noise that often surrounds us.
As I tried to focus on my gardening, I couldn’t help but reflect on the metaphor of that chainsaw. Life’s external noises can sometimes get so loud that they drown out our inner peace, pushing us to retreat within ourselves. In that moment, I realized that the chaos is not merely a nuisance; it’s a catalyst for growth. It forces us to dig deeper, to cultivate a greater understanding and compassion for those around us.
Instead of allowing frustration to take root, I chose to embrace the noise as a prompt to love my neighbor more intentionally. I thought about how easy it is to overlook the people next door when we’re caught up in our routines and distractions. The loudness of life can serve as a reminder to connect, to reach out, and to foster deeper relationships.
This experience taught me that we don’t have to wait for life to become overwhelming to love more deeply. We can choose to be present and appreciative of those around us, cultivating kindness amidst the noise. Let’s not wait for the chainsaws to sound before we decide to nurture the connections that matter most.
Brian Humphrey is a dedicated Norfolk advocate, coach and mentor. His business, Successful Fatherhood, guides men and fathers from feelings of overwhelm, disconnection, and absence to becoming present, fulfilled fathers who are engaged with life and rediscovering their passions. You can visit him on Facebook or Instagram here at FACEBOOK or INSTAGRAM
