I AM BLESSED WHEN I DO THAT!

Sometimes, most times, we are so involved with our own hectic lives and full schedules that we have created for ourselves that we forget why we are here. We forget about our connection to one another; to our families, friends and the community in which we live. Although some of us naturally think about others and do things for others, the majority of us forget about them and what their needs may be. We don’t even notice that others in need even exist. We may not realize that in being a member of a family, community or town that we have certain responsibilities to each other; to be there for one another. We need to be there to help in shaping the growth of our home community.

It doesn’t matter whether you live in a small rural community or in a large metropolitan area there is always something that you can contribute. You may start a small project for helping someone in need in your own small housing complex or subdivision and the effects may soon be felt for miles away. They may even continue to grow into larger projects where they may end up affecting many individuals; as was portrayed in the movie “Pay It Forward”.

You may think that your small act of kindness is meaningless or not noticed but it usually is. I know of one woman who always invites people she meets to have a meal with her family. She sees they are alone for the evening or next day and are in need of company and she doesn’t hesitate. She shares what she has and makes the effort. Those she invites are always amazed and they acknowledge her for it. They say that they can’t believe the kindness and many have been having a tough time meeting people. That she is inspiring to them with her kindness. This is a small gesture but one that has made very large impacts on the people around her as well as for herself. She knows she is blessed in many ways whenever she does this.

I have found the best groups to be involved in are right in your own backyard. Our community women’s club of only 60 women, working very part time on a charitable event and fundraiser, have been known to gather over $40,000.00 in contributions for research for a foundation that is fighting a childhood disease. A member’s son has this life threatening disease and needs the services to keep up his daily activities. We were all blessed when we came together the past several years in promoting and sponsoring this amazing event.

Another community group helps to sponsor a neighborhood transitional family shelter with monthly contributions of toiletries and household supplies. These items may not seem like much but make a huge difference to the families who are trying to regain their independence in living as a family. They even volunteer their time to help organize the food pantry and clothing closets where contributions are stored. Additionally, they organize community events to provide Christmas celebrations as well as other holiday traditions for families without the resources to provide them for their own families. Now who is blessed when this takes place?

Communities depend on the various gifts of its members and their professions to bring a wide array of talents and skills to those in need. People rely on the specialized skills and knowledge of those in their community. When we really take the time to think about what we are good at and what we can offer to someone in need, (whether it be cooking a meal for someone, or cleaning a neighbor’s yard for them when they are ill) we see that we are truly a contributing member of our town or community. We are a real member of the whole.

In return we feel good about ourselves and our community and we will begin to receive the benefits from our giving. If we are living our lives in a state of awareness we will be able to feel the blessings that come our way when we do for others. We than begin to feel that we can do so much more.

Do not underestimate the effects that a long awaited phone call or a special “hand written” note or card has on those you care about and those in need of your time and support. (Possibly to a soldier you know or even one that you don’t even know.) You will know that “you are blessed when you do that.” You are supported by the universe when you share your gifts with others freely.

Once you feel the emotion of doing for others and what it gives back to each of us as individuals, we want to experience it over and over again.

The feeling of accomplishment we get when working alongside of others toward the same goal is one you will always remember. What a blessing.

Seed Newsvine

Bookmark this article in your preferred program

Comments

Add Comment

Popular Articles in this cathegory

This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 License.