“You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you.” ⁓ John Bunyan
Whether you call it the Christmas season, the holiday season, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or something else, it is here. The time of year when stores are packed and millions labor over finding that perfect gift for the special people in their lives. It is a time when we enjoy the company of family and friends and come together in an atmosphere of peace and anticipation of the new year.
How often do you think about doing something or purchasing something for someone who you know is really in need and will probably never, ever be able to repay you? How easily do you part with your hard-earned money, or your precious time, to do something really special for someone else. Perhaps even someone you don’t know?
With all of the complicated issues and sad news circulating these days, my heart was overjoyed to read of some happy news. A Minnesota couple, who had at one time lived on discarded food, put a personal check for $500,000 in a Salvation Army kettle outside of a grocery store. There was no fuss or fanfare… they just dropped the check in the kettle and walked away.
The Salvation Army reached out to the couple, but they did not desire any publicity from their random act of kindness and generosity. They simply said that they wanted to give back and honor one of their fathers who had served in World War I and was always grateful to the Salvation Army “Doughnut Lassies” who provided the soldiers with free coffee and sweet treats.
The couple were once very down on their luck, but they were happy to give because they could. What a lovely description of how we all should think, not merely at this time of the year, but all the year through.
When we give, we get something back that is worth far more than any dollar amount. The thought of brightening someone else’s day or even helping someone through a hard time warms a heart like nothing else.
Don’t fret, you don’t have to be wealthy to give. We all have something to offer someone else, whether it be time, talent or treasure. Perhaps you can offer your services to clean someone’s home or babysit some children for a while. Take time to visit people in your community who are homebound and can’t get out into the world. Drop by your local animal shelter and love on some furry friends for a while. All of these things matter, and they all reaffirm that, “It is in giving that we receive the most.”
What are you waiting for? Give something of yourself to someone you know or don’t know this week. Have you ever been the recipient of a random act of kindness? If so, why not share your story with us.
—Susan Patterson
Susan is the Content Director at The Alternative Daily, a Certified Health Coach, Certified Metabolic Typing Advisor and Master Gardener. With an extensive knowledge of whole foods and wellness, Susan enjoys educating others on how to live healthy and sustainable lives. She presently lives off grid in the middle of the New Mexican high desert with her three children and numerous animals.
