I like helping others, and I do this without expectations of acknowledgement to others, or anything in return. I like to help when I can and do so quite happily.
I received an email today from someone who is a part of an organization that assists families in need in my city. I try to teach my children that it is always good to help someone who wouldn't be able to help themselves, to be kind and give of themselves, within reason, as long as they are not taken advantaged of. Because one can always be kind and good to others, but there are those who will cross that threshold out of greed.
There was a time in our lives when things were really bad. I mean bad. We were never in dire straights before, the year we moved from New York to Florida, we knew what it was like to be in need. It was a first time, because we were always on the other side of the giving. We received help that first Christmas from co-workers and strangers alike and I felt very humbled by it. At first I felt embarrassed, but then I realised that perhaps it is time for me to accept what the good Lord sent our way because it was our time to be on the receiving end.
One of the response from a thank you I gave to someone at the time was "when you are able to, pass it on, pay it forward". I thought to myself at the time, at this rate, I don't know when that will happen, but one day I will.
I have been able to do just that from time to time. And I particularly like doing so during the Christmas holidays, because then, more than any other times, children are very expectant and they all want to be included in the gift receiving, just because!
The email message was a thank you from the organizer, and she included some of the thank yous' she received from the families she was able to help. We hadn't just given toys, We gave clothing as well, new and gently used because my children are older and the family we assisted had children who were much younger. So instead of donating to the thrift shop, those used clothing became someone else's new wear!
Some of the thank yous':
1. Calling to say thank you, just when my world seem as if falling
apart. I feels so good to know that people still care about those of
us struggling.
2.Thank you so very much! Without your gifts, I don’t know what I
would have done.
3.To those of you, who gave to my children for Christmas, Thank you so
very much.
4.Tell the people thank you! It’s hard going to school and not able
to dress even some what nice, like the other kids and to be picked on
because you have very worn clothes. Thank you for caring.
5.Thank you for helping me when you don’t even know me.
6.Thank you for having a heart to help the lady that does this.
7.I’m a grandmother who helps take care of my grand kids, on a fixed
income. Thank you for your help, I could not have brought them
anything. Their mother tries hard, but keeping a roof over our heads
is more important. Thank you for having a heart to help the lady that
does this.
8.“Thanks my presents” maybe one day I can do the same for
someone”.
The last response was what touched me the most, because this child hopes to pay it forward one day. I think more than anything else, learning to give of oneself, is priceless!