Whenever there is an emergency a close friend of mine always reminds me to notice the helpers. The news focuses on the disaster, but in every video there are workers who are hustling around protecting children, saving animals, caring for the wounded, giving shelter to the homeless, feeding the victims. He points out to me that people want to help, and somehow the news rarely shines a light on them.
The news can be hard to read. I have noticed that many days every story on the front page is anxiety provoking, bad news. That’s why I perked up when I read Forever problems push us apart. Right-now problems bring us together, by David Von Drehle.
He starts off the story sharing how a friend of his dons the Salvation Army costume and picks up the bell and kettle every year to request donations. And his friend is not even a member of the Salvation Army! When I was a child, my family depended upon the Salvation Army for clothes and furniture. We were very poor. I recall many a trip to a particular location where I would search through the inventory for toys.
Today I am sure to donate almost every time I pass by that red apron, in gratitude for the help we received and wanting to be part of paying it forward.
This is a very special time of the year. I wish you the very best and hope your holidays bring joy to your family, friends, and all those whose lives you touch.
“Giving is the master key to success, in all applications of human life”
Bryant McGill
