Friday, February 09, 2018

Be a Blessing


"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."
- Galatians 6:9

Don't give up.  It is easy to become tired of doing good when we are doing good solely for the response that we wish to receive.  But if we do good without any expectation, and we do it solely for the sake of being a blessing, it's not as easy to become tired of it.

Doing good is addictive. I talk a lot about the mind and the power of thought. When we do good for others, it gives our minds an actual scientifically proven physical reaction. The naturally resulting dopamine pings in our brain remind us that we feel good when we do good for others.  This is the reason that giving truly does feel better than receiving.  If you find yourself in a place where you are doing most of the giving, then be grateful! Because you are not only blessing the other person, you are actually blessing yourself, as well.  Don't stop!

Kindness is contagious.  Selfishness is not.  Both are a choice.  Most people do not set out to be selfish.  Most have good intentions, initially.  Choice comes into play with doing good works when your good works become expected and/or taken for granted.  It can become harder to give when you realize you are giving to a taker.  This is not to say that you should not give to someone who is not grateful, it is just to remind you that their gratitude is not the point. Your kindness will catch on.  You WILL see the fruits of your actions when you give, even if it takes more time then you wish for it to.  Not that that is the point... just sayin'.

Observe your good works.  Find something genuinely nice to say to the grouchy person ahead of you in line, and observe how you both feel, afterwards.  Give a homeless man a sandwich and some encouraging words and observe how you both feel.  Give your spouse a random hug and kiss and observe how you both feel.  Serve a snack to your child and ask them about their day and observe how you both feel.  Call a friend and ask how they are doing (and really listen to them) and observe how you both feel.  Compliment a stranger and give them a genuine smile and observe how you both feel.  Most times, both parties will feel very positive things.  And if one of the parties does not, chances are the other party does. So you have a 50-50 chance of making someone feel really good today, even if it is just you.

Speak life!  Random acts of kindness are on the rise.  You are not the only one.  Be an intrigal part of the kindness movement.  Practicing the "Golden Rule" makes this world a happier place to be, for you, and for others.  Be a blessing today, in some small way.  It will be worth it.  Know that your actions DO make an impact on this world.  Be a blessing.

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