For the love of others
December 5, 2008
With our country in the grips of a recession and uncertainty looming, it is nice to be reminded of the good things. I know I am guilty of getting wrapped up in my family and how we will be impacted by this faultering economy, and on top of that Christmas is around the corner. Christmas is a magical and stressful time. I love to look at Carson and see his face light up when he sees the department store Santa, this kind of happiness is unadulterated and completely priceless. However, this is also the time of year when everyone else is taking advantage of that warm fuzzy feeling that comes with Holiday cheer. There are several worth while charities who need help and they all step up their efforts during the Holidays. It breaks my heart to not have the ability to help everyone. I would save the world if I could, but I can’t and I am a strong believer in charity starting at home. We have given to Harvesters, the Salvation Army, United Way and Operation Breakthrough, but our phone still rings off the hook with calls from other charities and when you tell them you can’t give at this time they act as though you are some kind of cold heartless person.
On to the happy stuff…
I was looking at the news today and after weeding through all the financial junk, I found the real news and these stories brought tears to my eyes. It warms my heart to think there are people out there who still champion the causes of those who may not be able to or know how to speak for themselves. The innocent victims of life or circumstance.
http://www.kmbc.com/news/18208484/detail.html
http://www.kmbc.com/news/18205679/detail.html
These stories got me thinking as to how I can become more socially concious as well as raise my children to be sensitive to the plight of others. It is so easy to get wrapped up in our own lives and fall into a routine maybe thinking only if… Only if what? What can I do to be a better person? What can you do to be a better person? It is amazing how many lives we touch in our daily activities. The help given doesn’t have to be financial. It can start with a smile, a thank you, a level of understanding. Times are tough, why make them tougher? We each have the power to improve the lives of others, we may not be able to give tons of money or time, but even the little things can make a difference and if you are in a position where you have an excess of either money or time, how about giving some of it? I’m a fan of the grassroots campaigns, like the little boy mentioned in the first article above.
Your posting came at a good time. I’ve been feeling kind of overwhelmed as to who and what to donate to. So many people and organizations give this time of year but what about the rest of the year? I plan to make regular donations to a couple of local charities and will also make an effort to give words of kindness, encouragement,and understanding more often. Many times it’s not money or things- but a kind word or deed that can make a difference.
P.S. I still wouldn’t hand my cell phone to the guy at the train station.
Good post! First, I’m glad to see that you blogged, even though I just now saw it. You are such a good writer. And second, I agree with the feeling that I would do more if I could, and help doesn’t always have to be financial. I think that is a very important thing to remember. Just being kind can go so much further sometimes…. Thanks for the gentle reminder.