I overheard my four year old singing a familiar song the other day . . .
This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine . . .
It warmed my heart. He really does let his light shine. We all have that ability in us.
It is said that:
A Good Deed Brightens a dark world
Such a simple truth. But we forget in all our busyness to think about and do “good deeds”.
And when I say “we” . . . I really mean “I forget”.
Time seems to be such a commodity, I almost “worship” it.
I am often too busy to give my son and husband my full attention.
I often feel like I don’t have time to take care of my own household . . . let alone help someone else in their’s.
And this month I had a major wake up call.
Our family experienced a dramatic change, and I witnessed scores of people change plans, give up their own time and resources . . .and give . . . give in incredible ways to my husband and I . . . and our family.
What a wake up call!
I thought I was generous and kind . . .
By the example of others I learned that I could be much more generous and thoughtful!
I learned – or became very aware- of how much I hoard “my time”.
I was reminded that all the time I have is a gift.
I am amazed of how many of my friends, neighbors and family members are so generous with that gift.
The generosity given to us has made me aware of how much more I could give . . .and give without expecting anything in return. I am amazed at the good deeds we have been the recipients of . . .
Our world was made brighter by some simple, yet amazingly loving acts of kindness …
7 Ways You can Brighten the World Today
1. Make more than your family can eat at dinner . . . share some with a neighbor or a family that has been battling the flu or a virus.
2. Help a new mother by holding her baby or doing her dishes.
3. Rally behind someone who is having a fundraiser . . . share their hopes and dreams with everyone you know!
4. Pay someone a sincere compliment.
5. Mow a neighbor’s lawn.
6. Help someone who appears to be lost (like physically lost, not a “lost soul”!!)
7. Take the time to give to a person who does not know you. (You can purchase a Be Yourself Journal for a student in Philadelphia for only $10! Check it out here:
Be Yourself: A Journal for Catholic Girls
ps. This would be two good deeds – I would be so grateful if you helped me do this as part of a fundraiser (#3!!!)
How has someone brightened your world recently?
These are all great recommendations. It’s so easy to get caught up in self and think there is no time to be the light for someone else.
Guilty here for sure!
Your recommendations are wonderful. One time, a priest encouraged me to do an act of charity as my penance. It really made me reflect on how simple it is to go slightly outifmy way to help someone but how easy it is to not bother. It was a good wake-up call.
Really love this!
I love these! It’s so true, how often I feel too distracted to pay attention to my husband and kids. Gonna get back on that. Thanks for the reminder! And, I’d love to hold someone’s baby while they do my dishes! Oh wait, that’s not quite what you said? Oh well, I tried. lol.
Such a great list! What’s even better is how you are appreciating all the little things, based on what you see in others. I once wrote about allowing others to act as Christ toward ourselves – we always try to act like Christ for others, so thank you for allowing others to have a turn “acting like Christ” toward you and your family!
And, thank you for the reminder that it truly can be the small things that count the most!