“The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.”
~ Pablo Picasso
One evening I was in the middle of having a pity party. It had been a long, hard day and everything in my life just seemed to be crashing down around me. I felt myself spiraling down as the demons took over my thoughts. For a split second I remembered that my sweet 75-year-old neighbor had gotten home from the hospital a few days ago. I decided to wash my face, brush my hair, and walk over to give her a treat. She was delighted to see me. She was grateful for my visit. She’d just started watching a movie. She invited me to sit down and watch it with her. She gave me a blanket and a glass of water, and we enjoyed each other’s company for the next couple of hours. We laughed and hugged, and I went home feeling completely different.
We are able to get a better perspective on our own lives if we find someone struggling more than we are and find a way to support them. Go visit a friend who is in the hospital or an assisted living center, that’s the perfect place to start. Bring a rose, some chocolate or just a smile. Sit and talk for a while. Sing them a song. Give them a hug. They’ll appreciate the company. You will brighten their day.
We all have several things we’re good at. Find ways to share your gifts and talents with others.
Camilla Kimball said, “Never suppress a generous thought.” After I heard this quote, I started to recognize opportunities to perform simple acts of kindness. Each day I became more aware that there are people all around me who are hungry for just a smile or a kind word. I LOVE doing good deeds anonymously! I’ll pay for the person behind me in the drive through, leave a plate of cookies on a friend’s porch.
Maybe you need some personal interaction to feel connected. Sometimes it’s best to give of your time and energy in person. Take a friend to lunch, rub your child’s back or just take the time to listen and cry with a loved one who is hurting.
If you’re ever feeling down, depressed, or lonely, a sure remedy is to go out and find someone to serve!