We Can Enchant

Recently, I read

The Enchanted April

by Elizabeth von Arnim written in 1922. It tells the story of four women living in dreary, wintery London who decide to rent a villa in Italy for the month of April. They go seeking sunshine, beauty, and escape — but what they find is something much deeper.

One of the women, Lottie, begins the story as a beaten-down soul, stuck in a strained marriage and an unhappy life. Yet, the moment she sets foot in the vibrant surroundings of San Salvatore, something incredible happens: Lottie begins to transform.

She blossoms into the best version of herself — kind, joyful, and absolutely overflowing with love and a desire to help others.

At first, the other women resist her enthusiasm. They don’t

want

to be “made happy” by someone else. But little by little, Lottie’s love becomes contagious. Her kindness, her genuine delight in serving others, seeps into the hearts of everyone around her.

And by the end of their month together, the lives of seven people are changed forever — including Lottie’s own.

There’s a beautiful line in the book:

love is the only thing that truly matters

. Lottie lived that truth freely, and it rippled outward to create healing and joy in others.

Pope Francis, regarded as a groundbreaking leader, known for his humanitarian spirit and small, simple acts of service, passed away last year. He said:

“Rivers do not drink their own water; trees do not eat their own fruit; the sun does not shine on itself and flowers do not spread their fragrance for themselves. Living for others is a rule of nature. We are all born to help each other. No matter how difficult it is. Life is good when you are happy; but much better when others are happy because of you.”

Like Lottie, we have the power to spark transformation — not by preaching or pushing, but simply by living with love. By being generous with our happiness.

Let the spark of love change us today. And let’s be the spark that others need.