I’m
probably like many of you: I watch the evening news on television. I see the same things that are happening in
this country and in other places around the world. I often think: “How can things get any worse?” And yet when I watch the news the next
evening I find myself saying: “It did get worse!” I hope and pray that if you are reading this
blog these terrible things that I watch each night are NOT happening to
you. But if they are I have to feel a
terrible remorse that you may be suffering these atrocities. But if they ARE NOT happening to you, I’m very thankful, but I want you to
consider for just a moment if they WERE
happening to you: What would you do?
You could
sit around waiting for someone to come to your assistance. And today there are many organizations and
individuals who respond almost instantly to the need of others. It is extremely heartwarming to know that we
can be part of such a fantastic service to those in need. I’ve heard about them and so have you: Those individuals who are not seeking any
recognition or payback or often even a simple “thank you.” But they were there when the assistance was
needed and they did not hesitate to “jump in” and commit to the efforts that it
took to help. Often, and you may know
some personally, who are NEVER
recognized widely for their efforts.
Some are total strangers who happened to be walking by or driving by
when the situation called for action.
They were there and their hearts compelled them to extend compassion and
empathy. They didn’t think about the
person’s education level, or their economic status, or the color of their skin,
or their nationality or religious upbringing.
They saw another fellow human in need and they took action. And times are when these are not
high-charged, “life or death” situations but only an opportunity to show fellow
filling and concern.
Some
actions are taken on a daily basis and never reach the national level of review
by millions on the evening news, but are only known by the person who is affected
by the actions of others and who may never be in a position to repay those kind
actions in any fashion, but who will always hold a special place in their
hearts for all that was done for them.
Consider: the person who pays for your order while you
wait in the drive thru line. Or that
person in the grocery line who covers those “few extra dollars” because you
were short in your payment. Think of
that police officer who pays for a lady’s diapers for her baby because she had
no money. Even the person who gives you their
seat on the bus and then they stand for the entire ride. Maybe it’s those “little things” that you
almost never take notice of: Someone holding the door while you enter or exit a
building. Or maybe someone who pauses in
the street so you can back out of a parking space. It may only be a gesture of those old words
of kindness, “Please” and “Thank You” that you haven’t heard in a long time. Or maybe just an appreciative thought of
letting you know that you are appreciated.
When was the last time you received a hand-written note from a close
personal friend that simply stated: Just thinking of you? Maybe the more important question might be:
When was the last time YOU SENT such
a card to one of your close friends?
And there
are so many other such situations and occasions of this type that could be
mentioned. However, my thought is: What
would YOU do? I pray that you, my dear reader, are NEVER in a desperate situation
of need. But please think about how you
could be the giver of such support and sharer of such human compassion. Think today how you could be the uplifting
moment in someone’s life. And if it is
within your means to do so, please do not hesitate to do it!
QUOTE TO CONSIDER
THOUGHTFUL GEM
"Plan for the BEST ---
Expect the WORSE ---
then live with what you get!"
No comments:
Post a Comment