The other morning as I was racing along my way, I thought I saw someone who needed help lifting something and realized she was fine. And then I had the thought: “What if I started every day with the question: “How can I give today?” Then I’d be oriented toward looking for openings all day long for ways to serve.
This question, I realized, contrasts sharply with the one I usually unconsciously employ: “How can I get through today?” That one instantly puts me in a crouched, victimized, defensive posture, warding off troubles as they hurtle at me. So, I’m trying out “How can I give today?” because living in that question makes me sit up straighter, feel more empowered and less fearful. Can I hold that door a few seconds longer than is strictly socially necessary? Ask a lost-looking tourist if she needs directions? Let someone go ahead of me in line? Plus bigger things–like not venting my anger on someone even if they “deserve” it, donating $10 to a friend’s charity drive, etc. Little and bigger. All giving. All a bolder way to face the world.
So, how can you give today?
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posted November 17, 2009 at 4:49 am
I know so many people that say they want to spread Brotherhood but in their actions,they are just the opposite. You know the expression,”Actions speak louder than words”. If we make it a habit to look beyond ourselves to the people we encounter each day the world will be a better place.