When people talk about our society, our country, and even our world, there is a looming question of whether or not we will give the next generation a place to live better than when we found it. Time will only tell if this is true. However, I have a deep thought for each of our readers. What if, instead of just being spectators to a world spinning around us, we get involved, touch a life, and leave a healthy remanence for others after we are long gone? No matter the situations that transpire around us hope only dwindles when the average daily hero doesn’t show up to do what they are equipped to do. You are that hero! We each have the choice to be a community-minded citizen or, in contrast, choose to place blinders on our eyes, stare at the news to gain insight, and spend our time fearful of the future instead of actively shaping the world we touch.
What are some ideas for the community-minded citizen or what I like to call a daily hero?
1. Kindness might be the one thing that can turn the tide of any community. Genuine kindness does for others because it is the expression that overflows out of who the person is. There is no expectation of receiving anything in return, and all agenda is set aside. Maybe this week, discover what a kind version of you would look like in your family, community, and workplace.
2. Become purposeful. From my travels to over 45 countries and spending time sharing life with those around me, an obvious observation was that people worldwide are more intentional than most of us who live in the United States. Now, before you get mad at me for sharing my insights, please allow me to explain. Most of the world is in survival mode. They don’t get a day off from worrying about whether they will eat, if their children have the medicine needed, or if they are safe in their environment. In the U.S., most of us get upset when our regular schedule is interrupted or someone disrespects us, but we are not trying to survive. What if we just took some of that extra we have and decided to be generous to others in need? Yes, finances are an essential commodity, but let’s say we begin with something else a little more precious. What if you gave someone a piece of your time and interest- on purpose with no strings attached?
3. Remain the leader. As a pastor and community servant, I have the opportunity to be around people willing to give and help others as long as the people are thankful and adequately know how to show gratitude in return. What if the people we serve don’t know how to receive well? What if, when shown grace and compassion, they are rude? For many, this is where their giving stops. If we stop being who we are or showing the values we claim to have when others act adversely, who is leading in the situation? What if the value and kindness that we showed others remained and could not be taken away because of their actions? Instead, they are stuck with being shown grace and compassion simply because that is what we bring to the conversation. Then we remain the leader, and how others act cannot shift the atmosphere around, but instead, purposeful kindness leads the day.
Mother Theresa is one of the heroes I look to as an example for my own life. She made daily choices to value others. I know that some look at her as more of a superhero who did what others could not do. However, if you have listened to her words or watched her life, you know she wanted everyone to know that she was an ordinary person who chose daily to value others and, as a result, did extraordinary things. Be that hero.
“For love to be real, it must cost, it must hurt, it must empty us of self.”- Mother Theresa of Calcutta
