Submitted by: Faye
In keeping with our new resolutions, I recently heard a story about a single mother with two children that has been diagnosed with cancer. She is unable to work due to her sickness. I know this has to be really hard on her and her family, not only emotionally but financially.
The company she works for (starting with the CEO) decided instead of giving gifts to each other this past Christmas, they would pool the money and give it to this employee. The young lady was overwhelmed when she was presented with the gift. I understand that she cried, not because she needed the money but because the people she worked with cared and loved her that much. She didn’t think that she was anyone special, just one of the employees doing her job. She found out that day how much she is loved and appreciated. I’m sure her heart surged with love and gratitude. Good for her and good for her company.
Knowing this meant so much to her, makes me wonder what it meant to the ones giving the gift. What does doing a good deed for someone else do for you? What we know is that the person receiving this act of kindness got help but the employees who contributed to this deed felt good and got a new perspective on their own problems. To do good for others elevates and warms our hearts. Goodness and simple human kindness is catching. In other words, it doesn’t take extraordinary acts to open our hearts and inspire others to do good deeds.
What kind of example are we setting for our children? Are we teaching them that random acts of kindness are important? Do we even realize that our own actions often have a ripple down effect? Our efforts benefit not just the person we help but also those who witness our act. We don’t benefit from thinking about doing good, we benefit from seeing someone do something for others. This is pretty powerful.
As we go forward into 2018, let us make it a daily practice to help others. Mow a senior’s lawn, open the door for someone, give a hug, write a letter, call someone, listen, volunteer or just smile. Whatever you choose to do, do it for the right reason. Instead of giving for the sake of giving, give with a heart of love. It will make you a better person and the world will be a better place. I found this quote not long ago and thought it says it all… “A good deed brightens a dark world.” (Author Unknown)