It’s funny what sticks in your mind. We all watch countless TV shows and movies, read innumerable stacks of books, scroll through endless social media posts…and yet certain ideas, certain remarks, remain.

Lately, I’ve found myself reflecting on a remark made by—of all people—Mr. Rogers. Yes, Fred Rogers, made famous as the host of the classic children’s television show, Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood, that ran from 1968-2001 and that can still be watched today.

Mr. Rogers said, “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’”

I’ve been thinking about that lately.

Now, a person might say, “Well, this is fine to tell kids. But we adults aren’t children; we need to face the harsh realities of the world. And sometimes people consider themselves helpers, but I don’t consider them helpers. And maybe thinking that others are helping makes some people complacent. Things are complicated.”

That’s true, that’s true. And yet…

When circumstances look dark, I do find myself taking great comfort in looking for the helpers, just like a child. And as an adult, seeing those helpers makes me want to be a helper myself.