Happiness Through Helping

Like last time  I posted, this week we get a bird’s eye view of even more good deeds. It’s heart warming to be reminded of how simply we can impact a person – or a large group of people – by offering the simplest kindness.

Here we go with the pictures!

1.  A couple pays it forward with buying a meal for a young family with children. This not only helped the wallet of the husband/ dad. It also helped imbed a lesson in kindness they will most likely remember and pass along from time to time. How lovely!

A Little Bit of Good

2.  Take a look at the next three pictures here.  You see a father and a mother kissing their precious baby. They’re kissing him goodbye. The last picture shows a staff of surgeons and surgical nurses bowing, in the long held Japanese tradition. The reason? Two of the organs of this precious little donor are going to allow two other people to live. Those bowing are doing so out of respect and gratitude for the unselfish act of two parents who offer the gift of life to others.  What unselfish goodness. Heart breaking, yet so noble and beautiful.

Profound Respect and Goodness

3.  A devastating tornado just hit Oklahoma two days ago. It will take years for those good people to regain the basic goods of this world that are needed. There are weeks, and months, of clean up. During this time, they will lean heavily on one another. On the goodness of strangers. On the strength of prayer.  Is there a way you can help them, in a real way? I am not one to usually donate to an organization – one where I’m not sure how much is actually getting to the ones who need the assistance. But I will find a way to help… probably through friends who live in the state, and can literally give the needed items to those whose lives are changed.  Bless them as they move forward, trying to mend and build.

Oklahoma Tornado 2013

4.  How cool is this?  A mailman has figured out a way to spread cheer and kindness in the sweetest way.  Imagine how nice your day would be, should you be the recipient! I love it.

A Quick Kindness

Yep.  Kindness is simple.  Done in so many ways.  Easy to make someone’s day.  And a delight to the giver and receiver.

If we make a promise to do the little things to add goodness to another’s day, we find our own days become better and more beautiful. That’s good stuff.

And goodness matters.

Goodness Is Like Sunshine

A friend sent me some beautiful pictures that show, in real ways, how people share goodness.  It was another sweet lesson in the goodness of people, and how something seemingly tiny can make the day – not just for the receiver and the giver of the deed, but for all who find out about it.

Here is today’s Story In Goodness, simply shared via photographs!

1. A man sees a young woman walking the hot streets, with no shoes. He promptly takes off his own flip flops and offers them to her. Her overwhelming response is felt even though we can’t see her face. And our own hearts melt at this act of goodness.

The Shoes Off His Feet

2. I think any day can be Random Acts of Kindness Day. Any time we pay it forward, and bring a smile to someone’s face, it’s a beautiful thing, don’t you think?  Even a dollar bill on a vending machine becomes a tool to uplift, brighten, and become part of the goodness in this world.

Paying It Forward

3.  Isn’t this the sweetest photo? A firefighter helps a little koala bear who has suffered during a fire. Hooray for good men and women who see needs in humans and in all God’s creatures – and lend a helping hand.

Kindness Reaches Out To Everyone!

4.  Good business is about more than the dollars. It includes sense and sensitivity, and a good heart that recognizes the humans who are being served. Hooray for this Subway owner, who goes the extra mile.  This brought a smile to my face, imagining how many folks can be helped through this one simple act of goodness.

Good Business

5.  Our last one for today involves money again. It seems that money makes this world go ’round. At least, when it’s needed, having a helping hand can make a whole lot of difference. So check out this sweet kindness offered to a stranger:

Money and More

I couldn’t help but note that there was much more than money involved here. Students usually don’t have a lot of dollars in their pockets… they count their pennies. This sweetheart of a person [Canadian student] warmed my own heart.

See how our goodness can come shining through in simply, beautiful ways? It makes for so much more light and happiness.  It doesn’t take a lot of thought or money or anything… just a moment to think of another, and to find a simple way to act on the good thought.

William Wordsworth shared this perfectly put together sentence:

The best portion of a good man’s life in his little, nameless, unremembered acts of kindness and love.

And kudos to the men and women whose portion is large, vast, deep, and sweet!

Next week I will share another Lesson Through Real Pictures. Because I think we can learn powerful lessons as we check out a few visuals of a those whose small acts of goodness are captured for others to enjoy. Those who care. Who think of the next person. Who are examples of kindness, inspiring us to jump in and do something wonderful, ourselves. Such an easy, joyful way of growing goodness.

To be honest, I know that so many of you are constantly filling your life with good acts, with thoughtful somethings-or-other for someone else. Including Diane, who sent the photos my way. Thank you, Diane. Such goodness! I’m appreciative.
Because goodness matters.

Simple Things

Here are three simple rules to bring a bit more good (Or maybe a lot more good) into your life, and mine.  I really like the ‘simple’ part, since most of us are just bout up to our ears in things to do places to go, and ideas to try to incorporate into our daily living.

1.  If you don’t go after what you want, you’ll never get it.

Go For It

Okay, so that’s pretty obvious. But what is neither as obvious or as easy, deep inside, is the recognition that it’s simple to set a plan for going after what we want. Obviously, rules of kindness and goodness should be included. There must be a game plan and a goal in sight. And there needs be the desire in the heart. As well as a healthy dose of optimism thrown into the mix.

Isn’t it awesome what can be done when we carry a spirit of optimism? Lucille Ball once shared these words:

One of the things I learned the hard way was that it doesn’t pay to get discouraged.  Keeping busy and making optimism a way of life can restore your faith in yourself.

Believe In Yourself!

I love how Ms. Ball tied belief and faith in ourselves to obtaining the things we desire. In my heart and mind, it goes without saying that faith in our God helps the entire process.

2.  If you don’t ask, the answer will always be no.

This is one of those duh! statements. But often, we’re afraid to ask the questions that need to be asked.  Or we haven’t gone through the mental process of learning how to ask the right questions. That’s often as hard – if not harder – than finding the right answers.  Then, there is this process of creativity in the questioning thread.

John Jay had this to say:

The uncreative mind can spot wrong answers, but it takes a very creative mind to spot wrong questions.

Ask the Right Questions

I like his words. There is a great mental strength involved in the creative process of thinking-asking-settling into our patterns of growth and goodness.

3.  If you don’t step forward, you will always be in the same spot.

It reminds me of a similar adage that reminds us that even if we’re on the right track we’ll get run over if we just sit there.  Woohoo! forward movement is sooo important for us to enjoy a happy, positive, productive life.

Building Blocks

We all make mistakes. We get to learn important life lessons by experiencing the opposite, for example. Then, when the Real Deal comes around … when authentic happiness and good choices come around, we know – for ourselves- to appreciate them.  Learning and defining as we go, we are in charge of building our good life.

It’s vital and beautiful to go for what we want, ask the right questions, and step forward.  These three simple options are building blocks for goodness.  We never know what awesome thing is around the corner.  That’s good stuff.

And goodness matters!

A Beautiful Morning

Remember the song Oh What a Beautiful Morning -  from the musical Oklahoma? I love that song. Never have I heard it [or sung it in my head] without feeling better inside.

There’s something about great music that brings joy to the soul.  This particular tune reminds me to take in nature around me, and take note of TODAY. To see every little lovely creature, notice the sky, smell the smells and be part of my surroundings. and to love the ones I love – to celebrate it and find more and more good things to appreciate about our relationship.

On the occasions that I remember to notice from the very moment I awake, my day is a better one.

Every Little Good Thing

Yesterday I had the blessing of wandering around my backyard simply to take note.  It was time well spent.

The sweet smell of flowering pear tree blossoms wafted through the yard, colors of spring seemed to wave to me in the breeze, and birds chirped joyfully as they flitted from tree to tree. It was as if they were celebrating spring with me! Every little sound, the perfect sky, and the feeling – deep down inside – cheered, all together – as if to sing Oh What a Beautiful Morning!

Does that sound silly? Maybe earlier in life, I would have thought so. But these days, I understand the sweetness of taking time.Taking time to listen and look. Making time to simply sit and enjoy. Our world- or our little part of it- is full of goodness for us to enjoy.

This is what the writer Ralph Waldo Emerson said about it:

Every spirit builds itself a house; and beyond it’s house, a world; and beyond it’s world, a heaven.  Know then, that the world exists for you. For you is the phenomenon perfect. What we are, that only can we see. All that Adam had, all that Caesar could do, you have and can do.  Adam called his house heaven and earth; Caesar called his house Rome.  You perhaps call yours a cobbler’s trade, a hundred acres of plowed land; or a scholar’s garret. Yet line for line, and point for point, your dominion is as great as theirs, though without fine names. Build, therefore, your own world.

Everything’s Going My Way

Our little world can be diverse, depending upon where we live, how we live, and what life lessons are part of our mortal curriculum. Sometimes it’s harder to enjoy a beautiful morning than other times. But on the occasions when it’s relatively [note, I wrote relatively] smooth sailing, maybe we should go for a a full – on, singing out loud kind of approach to our day. Making it a habit to purposely find the good stuff, the little blessings, the small joys. You know – taking in every little detail. So that we can savor that wonderful feeling of [thanks again to the song from Oklahoma] -

Everything’s goin’ my way!

While yesterday I relished the warmth and delightful feeling of springtime, this morning I was shocked to look outside my window to see a dusting of snow on the ground. If you’d captured my face with a snapshot when I peered out, wondering what in the world was on the front lawn, you’d have laughed. Snow! On May 1.  I’ll gather myself together, put on a coat, and wander the yard for a moment, just to take in the feeling.  There’s always goodness in good ol’ Mother Nature.

And goodness matters.

Adding Love and Joy To Life

People who love generously have happier lives. They’re less concerned with getting hurt or being burned. They simply open their heart and pay attention to other people.  And they find a lot more joy.

I found a great video, a short one, that made me feel instantly better. So I’m sharing it with you.  It’s a reminder to pay attention to the seemingly little things. I have all ideas that, when all is said and done, those aren’t the little things, at all. They’re among the most important.

Here’s the video. Please take a couple of minutes to watch it.

Love Generously!

What do you think? Don’t you feel a bit happier than before you watched? Even though I am well familiar with the story, it was more fun to see it in video form.  Now I want to go forward and learn more people’s names, ask more in-depth questions and enjoy the closer connections.  I’m wanting to experience even more love and more joy, in the smallest yet most important of ways.

Jump For Joy!

You know, in this fast paced world, the norm is to say, “How are ya?”, and then continue on without even waiting to hear how the person is actually doing. Or we may ask, sometimes hoping they don’t tell us.  That’s a little sad. Because little things- like having someone with listening ears – is a really big deal. It may even be a life changer. Little do we know how influential- for good- we can be.
But we can keep on working at it, without worry of recognition or concern for how it may interrupt our schedule or step on a seemingly more important issue. Again, isn’t it possible that- unless we are very careful – we may prioritize the wrong things? If life is a test of character, let’s all work on passing with flying colors. At least, in the care and concern department.  Along with increased insight and sensitivity, we can be a blessing to other people in a simple and easy-to-do way!

Listening Is Important!

Listening, learning, and genuinely caring are character traits that are very helpful in adding another drop or two of joy in this world. That’s important and it’s good.

And goodness matters!

Impossible Dream

Is that what we dream? An impossible dream? Is there such a thing?

Don Quixote, the brilliantly written fictional character, has a thing or two to teach. He’s a loveable, eccentric, faith – filled fellow who lives in his own mind space and sees the world with different eyes. He is set on lifting the world beyond a more sorry state so that others may reside in a more chivalrous state, filled with morals and values that he believes count. Is he brilliant or crazy, or a little of  both?

In the windmills of our mind, which way do we rotate? How do we see things and people around us? I’ve thought a lot about this business of how we set our course, and how we seek to make a better ‘us’ as we do our little part to make a better world.

The New Testament says, in Matthew, that Jesus taught this:

With God, all things are possible

Can we have no limitations, if we set out mind and heart to it, believe and trust in God, and set about making our world – in whatever little space we occupy- the best and most beautiful we can imagine? Who says we can’t? Does it take courage? I have no doubt of that. In most other realms, doubt doesn’t work in our favor…..

If I move forward, not doubting [yep- there's the rub], I can keep on keepin’ on. Richard G. Scott once said:

Doubt is spiritual poison that stunts eternal growth.

Every once in a while, when my Doubting Thomas thoughts want to hover, I need one of those super powered vacuum cleaners- the mental and spiritual kind – to sweep through me a few times, removing any remnants of that spiritual poison.

And when I fall off my horse? Or worse, when it bucks me and I’m scared to get back on that proverbial animal?  I need a good shot of Quixote- like optimism and magical wonder – enough to get back on the horse and ride again. Enough to keep on dreaming impossible dreams.

Get Back On the Horse

One thing about Don Quixote- he never gave up. He may have been lost and a bit looney, but he was loveable and positive in his quest, wasn’t he?

If I hold to my beliefs, my trust in good and valuable goals, can’t I shake out any questioning of heavenly dreams and aspirations? My God, I know, is stronger than any dark uncertainty.

Don Quixote’s dream was one that made for a colorful life. Others poo-pooed him. He didn’t care. If each of one of us held tight to our faith and lived our dream that we can make a difference for good in this world, what would happen? Once we saw that in simple, doable, daily ways, we can chase windmills and see them, catch them, conquer them? Wouldn’t it be a better world?

Man of La Mancha

If some laughed and pointed at our silly notions or thought us out of touch with reality, that would not impact our ability to create a better place, would it? And maybe many lives would somehow be better because they were inspired by our own desire to move forward in unwavering faith.

 It’s a gallant quest. One I really love engaging in. Some may call me silly. Too much of a Pollyanna. Unrealistic. Too church-y or old fashioned. Even in this world of new technology, though, certain things don’t go out of fashion, do they?

I have a sneaking suspicion that there are many of us who believe- as did Hugh Nibley- that

We may have a mind open to infinite possibilities!

With the open mind comes an open heart, in most cases. That offers more faith in ourselves and in grander, heavenly things. Then that gives us more trust in the achieving of seemingly impossible dreams. Windmills, indeed!

Windmills Of Our Minds

In some small sense we can be like Don Quixote. Preferably with a keener sense of wisdom and a stronger sense of truth and balance. Because of it, we could deliver a little drop of joy here and a scent of sweetness and hope there. People would smile a little more, and be uplifted.

Our courage would pay off in limitless ways. Our small efforts would be very magical and very good. For ourselves and all those who know of us.

And goodness matters.

Make Someone Happy!

Guess what I just learned? Another good way to make someone happy! Found out about it through Pauley Perrette. She works with lots of homeless organizations in ways that help on a grassroots level….

Wait – let me back up.

Celebrity Compassion

Pauley is the woman who plays the role of Abbi on NCIS. I love the show. Maybe because my dad and my son were in the Navy, and my son-in-law still serves. Maybe because it has fabulous writing and direction. It really doesn’t matter. I”m in love with the family of characters on the show.  They seem genuinely good people.

Ms. Perrette is certainly a celebrity who works to give less fortunate people a reason to smile. Much of her time is spent in serving folks who are homeless, with her own funds and time donated to a number of organizations in southern California.

She said that homeless people always, across the board, need socks. Clean, new socks. She keeps bags of them in the back seat of her car. This way, she can hand out a pair [or a bag of them] to someone on the corner, when she’s stopped at an intersection, or whatever.

According to her,  the look on the face of these folks is a gift in itself to her. Huge eyes and this look of :

You Understand!

I’m gonna try it. What a simple, inexpensive way to do a little bit of good; to show a little bit of love; to serve in a tiny way that brings huge smiles. Yay for Pauley Perrette, and all those who are like her…. taking time, energy, and means to show true compassion. Kudos to this smart, give-from-the-heart lady!

Sock It To ‘Em!

To be honest, I’d not have thought of socks. It made me realize that I need to take another step inward and find more real, genuine, This Matters To Me acts of charity for those who need a hand up. Every time I have another Aha moment about service in genuinely loving ways, it softens my heart yet again. More clearly, I see that it’s up to me to be the hands, the eyes, the help that someone needs, should I cross their path.

I remember Mother Teresa’s words:

I cannot do great things. I can only do small things with great love.

Haven’t you heard folks who say they feel they must do something on a grand scale to count? You know – like – Go Big or Go Home. That just isn’t the truth. It may keep us from being the one to make all the difference – to bring a drop of happiness!

Think of your own life’s circumstances… When you look back, doesn’t it become clear that it’s the little things that usually make all the difference? That lovingly timed phone call, the smile or hug at just the right moment?  The seemingly perfect little answer to a prayer, or gift offered at a crucial time? And you’ve been that light – that gift- on lots of occasions.. right?

We Can Do Good Things

I can’t prove it, but I’m pretty sure I have about the grandest grandchildren in the universe. Here’s an example of Bang for your Buck:

Any one of them comes in my front door with a big smile and a genuine hug for their “Mimi”.  All the world is grand at that moment. They may not know it, but their show of love can calm a hurting heart, sooth a tired and aching body, and tend a weary mind. A small thing? Maybe for them. Not for me. Grandchildren rock.

Another beautiful quote locked in my mental files is this one:

No act of kindness- no matter how small- is ever wasted.

Socks for a homeless person who feels rejected, dejected, and depressed. A little note to a shut-in, or an email to a widow. Some cookies to a friend who is sick. Allowing a driver to merge ahead of you. A hug to a family member or friend. These are small things. But they make a better world. They bring relief, tend a heart, grant a bit of sunshine in someone’s perhaps cloudy sky.

A Bit of Heavenly Light

If every day is about choices- and it is- then I am going to choose to find more small ways to help. Because I can offer them with great love. And you know what? I have a suspicion that angels rejoice each time you and I do a little something for the next fella or gal. Because it’s plain old from-the-heart goodness.

And goodness matters.

Taking Time to Think

It snowed again. I watched the flakes turn from tiny, wet ones to large, perfectly shaped individual geometric patterns. I got caught up in thoughts of how perspective is everything. It made me think of the Jim Carrey movie -How the Grinch Stole Christmas – and the Whoville town that lived within a single snowflake.

Those thoughts led me to ones about this huge earth on which I live. And how, in the entirety of all the space and universes and stars, I am a pin dot on a tiny little geometric shaped world, so small in the vastness of space.

Yet, here I am. I matter. I’m important to those who love me or depend upon me. I cannot do everything I want to do, but I can do something.  I can help.  Mother Theresa said it beautifully:

I can’t do great things. But I can do small things with great love.

So – these snowflakes got me to thinking about the big world, from my point of view; the tiny little world from One who can see all the worlds and stars and suns; and how perspective is, honestly, so important.

Figure It Out

While Charles Schultz, through his Peanuts cartoons, observed:

I think I’ve discovered the secret of life – you just hang around until you get used to it

There’s a lot more to the space you and I take up, isn’t there? We learn so much and we experience many different things. We go through heart break and heartache and headaches. We feel joy and utter devastation; abundance and loss; confidence and the shattering feelings of over-the-top inadequacy. Well, at least I have felt these variations in life patterns. Wow… what a schooling mortality offers.

Perspective is one of the beautiful by-products of experience. While I wouldn’t want to relive many harsh, dark times of my life, it’s great to have the more full understanding.

A few examples:

1.  I have so much more appreciation and admiration for my mom, now that I’ve gone through more devastating health challenges. She boggled my mind from the time I was fifteen and she first got cancer. Watching her go through operation after operation, complications and strange illnesses that took every drop of faith and strength were more than a nod to her courage and goodness.

But now? Now I have perspective. And more love for her than ever. I hope that, somehow, she knows. One day, when I can see her again, I’ll throw my arms around her and express my heartfelt gratitude for her example and quiet valor.

My Mother’s Goodness

2.  Before I had a major shoulder surgery, when I saw someone in a sling or still dealing with therapy, I’d tell them I was sorry for their pain. I’d then go on my way, caught up in the next encounter.  Then I had the surgery. I knew the pain and misery. I felt their own. My words were more like: I am so sorry for your pain!  Because I had perspective.

I Am Sorry For Your Pain!

3.  As a young mom, tending and teaching four children, I often felt inadequate and overwhelmed. It was frustrating to not be able to get it all right. Only later, when the kids were about grown, and I was visiting a young mother with three little girls, did I gain the perspective. While I listened to her share, through tears and sobs, how small she felt – how upset she was with herself for getting mad at them, or not staying on top of everything – I had a light bulb moment:

We Learn From Our Children

Oh! Parenting is not a job that allows us to ‘get it’ while we’re in the middle of it all. It’s the learning – through – experience that gives us wisdom. We aren’t expected to get it all right. Only by virtue of making mistakes and learning from the children do we grow into the kind of person we didn’t even know we could be. I had gained valuable perspective that allowed me to relax. To accept my frailties and more more positively (and less harshly) judge myself as a mom.

Floating through my mind I could see a ticker tape, it seemed. On it were the words to a forgotten quote from Antonio Porchia:

If you do not raise your eyes, you will think that you are the highest point.

Look To Heaven

4.  Lifting my eyes to heaven reminds me that, though I am small and count little in the eternal scheme; yet I am worth so much to my God. Seeing with a more clear lens of faith, most things make more sense. All of it gives me experience. Hopefully, it offers me more patience, perseverance and polishing. Perspective, indeed!

The snowflakes were still falling, and my mind wandered back to conscious thought. It was time to make some dinner. Fixing the meal that evening was more enjoyable than it had been in a while. In my own little kitchen of my own little house; in my good little neighborhood filled with wonderful friends; serving my good husband and son who has recently returned from serving our country, I felt very small in terms of the whole wide world, but larger than life in our little part of it.

A Perfect Snowfall

Perspective grants me a kind of peace that grows as I do. That’s a really good thing.

And goodness matters.

A Little Laughter Brings Big Time Joy

So, I was having a crummy part-of-day. Then, I learned [once again] that a little bit of humor goes a long way.  Seems like, if I can find something to tickle my funny bone, the sour mood dissipates. For a while, anyway, all is right with the world.

C’mon. When you think about it, humor seems a built-in gift. When a baby is still a …. well, baby…. he or she laughs. It’s beautiful and precious and contagious. Here, take a peek at this short video and you’re sure to agree:

Humor Has Its Own Language

I chose this video, with German wording, because most of us probably don’t speak German. It doesn’t matter one bit, either.  (Though I know a few of you certainly do speak German- a couple of you as your first language!)

Laughter, like music, is a universal language. And a powerful force for good.

Bill Cosby shared this wonderful thought:

Through humor, you can soften some of the worst blows that life delivers. And once you find laughter, no matter how painful your situation might be, you can survive it.

I believe he’s right on the money. Even if our faith tank is low, and the waves of life are tossing us about,we can survive – and even thrive- if we believe we can, and if we choose humor as one of our survival tools.

Emergency Kits Should Include Humor!

A merry heart really does do good like a medicine, just like it says in Proverbs.  No matter how bad I’m feeling physically, there are a couple of television shows that make me laugh. There are certain things my family members can say to bring out a giggle or two. It makes for bonding in the family, and allows us to share- over and over again-  some silly thing that has somehow become a tradition in the group. Ahhh…the simple joys of life.

One writer I’ve always appreciated is Dave Barry. He once wrote:

You can only be young once. But you can be immature forever.

Ha! I miss his newspaper columns. They were always good for a laugh, and lightened my step.  He seemed to understand that humor can go a long way in making this world a better place.

How many times have you felt you may die of embarrassment? If you know me, you know that I am a queen of embarrassing moments. It’s ugly sometimes. But, wow, have we gathered some great memories because of my temporary humiliations. Thankfully, time passes and people find other things to laugh about – or people to laugh at. Excepting my family, of course.   You know what? It’s okay.  It has helped those who come after me learn that we won’t (contrary to popular expression) die because of humiliation. Good thing….

Goofy Is Good

Here are three of us, acting like goofs in a store. Trying on our Foster Grants and stylin’ for the camera. With all our faults, we sure can act goofy. We roll around on the floor, laughing our heads off. We may find something to grin about when we’re hurting really badly in our hearts.

I’m grateful that we laugh a lot. Smile a lot. Goof up lots, and sometimes have to have a thick skin to deal with the ribbing. It’s healthy and it’s fun, and it makes for great snapshot moments of life.

Make Life Count

(Above photo- a good one! – from blogs.lynn.edu)

When I’m gone from this world, I hope my children and grandchildren remember the silly, funny moments they had with me. I hope it goes a long way toward comforting them, like the memories of silly times with my parents comfort me. I hope they continue to grow joy and goodness – and that part of that goodness comes with merriment and a fair amount of chuckling.  A little bit of humor can go a long way to help them. That’s a good thing.

And goodness matters.

Integrity Is More Priceless Than Gold

Good as gold.  A fitting way to define two fellows who work for a HVAC company in Sacrament, California.  It made me smile outside and inward to read the news clip. This is the the story:

This Company, and Employees – Good as Gold!

Really? How many people do things like this, these days? More than we imagine, perhaps.

The really cool thing is that this isn’t the first time the Clark and Rush Company has found money – and given it to its rightful owners. Yay!

Integrity – Good as Gold!

 If you have integrity, nothing else matters; If you don’t have integrity, nothing else matters.

(Attributed to Alan Simpson) Thanks, Mr. Simpson!

My parents taught me about honesty and integrity. The old fashioned way. My dad’s take was:

You do it because it’s right. You do it because even when you think no one’s watching, they may be.

They taught that we do right because we get what we’re asking for – it was the Christian attitude of creating good karma.

[That intimidated me as a child - because I was sure mom had eyes in the back of her head, and dad would occasionally - when I needed it- have me find my own little switch with which he would smack my legs once or twice.]

Good Lesson at the Corner Drugstore

Confession time: Once, I was at the corner drug store, maybe at the age of five or six. Short story – I stuck a tootsie roll pop in my pocket, in a rush of daring and desire. Then I panicked, but thought I’d get caught when trying to put it back. So, I ran home with the candy. Even though we were about as poor as church mice, I would never have been able to eat that thing. There was too much trauma attached to my having done such a dastardly deed.
Now the question became- do I tell mom and dad? Or throw that tootsie roll pop away?

I told my parents.

You know the rest…  Despite my cries and embarrassment, I was marched back down to the drug store. I handed the candy back to the fellow behind the counter, with apologies and many humiliating tears. My parents expressed joy in my Doing the Right Thing, and Making Amends. At the time? It felt like utter shame. Shortly thereafter, though? Sheer freedom and joy, having that weight off my little shoulders.

Thank you, Mom and Dad! I guarantee you that I never took anything else.  They taught me about honesty and integrity in other (less humiliating, more pleasant) ways, too.  Mostly by their example.

An old French proverb goes like this:

There is no pillow so soft as a clear conscience.

Beautiful lesson in a few words, isn’t it?!

Any of you who live close by the Sacramento area? Seems like this company is a real Go-To one. Honesty and integrity. Two good values. Two good workers. Good examples. Real goodness.

And goodness matters!