Pay it Forward

This Thursday most of us here in the US will be glutting ourselves on turkey and pumpkin pie. There will be family gatherings and plans will be made for December holidays. Some of you live in areas where the weather is already cold and you have to remind yourself to bring an umbrella or to get out that windshield scraper. And for most of us, those who can get to a computer to read this blog, life just doesn't seem so bad.

Although I'm not going to guilt you into a generous frame of mind, I am going to talk a little about how giving to others can be the best therapy for whatever ails you. Those who have given of themselves on a regular basis realize that by doing good to others they themselves feel happier and more satisfied with life. This is a great time of year, there are so many opportunities to help others. Anyone can write a check to give to charity, but it is the giving of your own person, your time and your love that not only can enlighten another sole, but will help you become uplifted in the process.

Joseph B. Lightfoot said: Try to help others. Consult their weaknesses, relieve their maladies; strive to raise them up, and by so doing you will most effectually raise yourself up also.

We who have much are continually tempted to become deeply engrossed in our own affairs. We claim to be busier than God and quite often it feels as if we truly are. However, egotism and hedonistic pleasure seeking will never bring us true joy. In fact, true happiness comes only when we share a part of ourselves with another.
Mother Teresa once said: Everybody today seems to be in such a terrible rush, anxious for greater developments and greater riches and so on, so that children have very little time for their parents. Parents have very little time for each other, and in the home begins the disruption of peace of the world.

She often claimed that although she lived without monetary privilege, that because of her service to others, she was happier than most. Her family was the world. But for many of us, our family is a small selected few with whom we live; and charity begins at home.

I'm not asking that you leave your home and possessions and join the Peace Corps, but wouldn't it be wonderful if you, and everyone around you would commit to do one simple task each day to brighten the life of a friend, or a family member? Say hello to a lonely child. Help someone with their groceries. During this holiday season let's take a moment to do our part to bring peace to the world.