“Two Young Peasant Women,” (Detail), 1892, Camille Pissarro. Image from a page of the 2011 Desk Calendar, courtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art Store
Making a difference in the lives of others, can make a difference in our lives too.
“The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.” Ralph Waldo Emerson
I am a “doer.” If you were to walk along side of me in a day in my life, you’d quickly realize that I rarely sit still. If my body is not in motion, my mind is running at full throttle. If I am not focused intensely on something that I am working out in my mind, you can bet I am multi-tasking; juggling as many activities at once as I can. I am constantly thinking ahead. When my head hits the pillow at the end of the night, or many times in the wee hours of the morning, my sleep is filled with dreams. What is it that keeps me “on” so much of the time? Does all of this busyness make a difference?
Making a difference…that may well be the answer. As I grow older and go along filling my days with all of the tasks that I can fit into every 24 hour period, I have learned many valuable lessons. One of the things I’ve learned and whole-heartedly embrace, is that life is a gift and one that is worth giving. I believe that to live is to give.
Giving to others, using my life experiences and knowledge in a way that will benefit others is what I deem worthwhile; something to strive for. I can recall so many times when I have turned away from my busy schedule to just sit and listen to a friend when she needed me to hear her right at that moment. Or those times when I’ve found myself up late at night preparing a “little something” that would produce a much-needed smile. Or searching for just the right card and words of encouragement to send, that would lift someone out of a dark time.
There are countless things that we can do or words that we can say, that may seem insignificant to us. But it is those very acts of kindness or words of encouragement that make a difference to those on the receiving end. For me, the gift of gratitude that I am shown in return blesses me far more than I ever thought possible. Although our lives are filled to overflowing so much of the time, when we step away and give part of ourselves to others, we’ll often find that is makes a difference to us as well.
“Step away, take the time to give of yourself to another. You never know what you’ll gain…perhaps a true friend who’s like a sister or brother.” Felecia R. Weber, OntheWingofaDove.com
I bid you peace and love,
Felecia
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I agree, helping people helps ourselves. It’s a fulfillment money can’t buy!
Right on Lew. That certainly has been the case in my life. I hope to continue to do so…let the blessings flow!
Love,
Felecia