“Only rarely in our lives are we called upon to do great things. But every day of our lives we are called upon to do little things with great love.”
This editorial from the California Political Review, reminds us that it is important to perform
… premeditated acts of charity and love for those we know are in need of succor. Or even for those we only suspect are in need of it. I’m talking about appreciating the importance of taking time in our busy lives to do the small things — acts of friendship, for lack of a better description — that it is so easy to put off until “tomorrow.”
Don’t do that. Tomorrow is promised to none of us, and the spirit of somebody you know may well need a lift today.
George Bailey, in the classic film “It’s a Wonderful Life”, had it right – he looked out for the welfare of those less fortunate than himself, was always there to lend a helping hand and was eager to do the right thing (often at great personal sacrifice). While perhaps appearing trivial on the surface, George’s joy in being kind and giving freely of himself meant a great deal to the recipients of his kind heart. These same people were there in George’s bleakest hour to repay his kindness.
As author William E. Saracino so succinctly states, “it was the small things, the every day things, that made the difference. George Bailey didn’t change the world. But he did make it a much better place, one person at a time.”
That is my Christmas wish – that everyone experiences the joy of performing a single act – to do a little thing with great love – that makes someone else feel good. Then repeat.