Soothing Sundays: Giving every day – why we should, and what it does for us all

Growing up, I was taught, not by words, but by actions, to give something to others every day. Even if it was one small gesture, simply saying thank you, helping an elderly person in the store, every little thing mattered. Our family motto is “you get what you give, so give love”. This feels truer for me every day.

When I was in high school my sister and I were in the band. She played the clarinet, and I was captain of the auxiliary corp. Incidentally, I only twirled the flag and rifle because I couldn’t play a musical instrument to save my life, and believe me, I tried every single one available. I was happy with my position though, enjoyed it very much.

During my junior year the band was invited to perform in a parade at Disneyworld. After the money we made with fundraisers our only cost would be $150 per person, which included transportation, two days at Disneyworld, a three night stay, and all meals. But as hard as our parents worked, they still couldn’t afford to fork out $300 for us to go. Worse, we were the only kids in the band that wouldn’t be able to make it. We had been so excited about going that this broke our hearts, but we appreciated our parents and understood why they couldn’t help. We didn’t complain; we just accepted it.

So imagine how much more excited we became when, a few days before the band was scheduled to leave, Mom told us that we would be able to go. Someone had donated the money for my sister and me to join the band on the trip. It was an anonymous donation, (and we never did find out who’d paid our way), but we were so very grateful. We wanted to do something to show that appreciation. Not knowing who to thank though we had to make do and help someone else out. We’d been shown how to give to others all our lives, but this kindness from a stranger made us want to work that much harder at it.

I believe that experience was the pivotal point at which I decided to try my best to give every day. I know I haven’t done that, I haven’t given something to someone every day for the last….ahem….*cough* years, but I have tried, and I know the simple acts of kindness I’ve offered have helped people in some way or another. How do I know that? I know that because of all the kindnesses I’ve received myself over the years. I am a great believer in karma. I know in my heart that I am blessed today because I extended a hand to someone else yesterday. I am loved because I have loved.

Author Michael J. Solender’s  short story, The Sum of His Deeds, published by Stories That Lift, says it all. The Sum of His Deeds is a beautifully written portrayal of what can happen when you reach out and help someone every chance you get. I hope you’ll stop in and read his story. I know it will bring a smile to your heart, it did mine.

You get what you give, so give love. But don’t take my word for it, try it for yourself. It takes so very little effort to help others. You don’t have to dedicate a whole day of your life to a charity, (though of course that would be a great thing); just think about what you can do to brighten someone’s day, even if it’s as simple as sending a note to say thank you, or picking up the phone to ask how someone’s doing, every little thing counts, every little act matters. And you will be blessed for it.