Tag Archives: Charity

Twinkle Lights

17 Dec

During the holiday season, we often see strands of twinkle lights hung over doorways, in shop windows, on cars, and many other places. We might decorate our homes with them and hang them on our Christmas Tree.  They aren’t big, and aren’t loud or dramatic, but wherever they are they cheerfully and quietly add charm and delight. It’s a small thing to hang them up and turn them on, but these tiny little dots of light cheer us as we move through our days. As they extinguish just one small drop of darkness, they may lighten our steps and lift our spirits. We have the same power within us. Every time we do something for someone else out of charity and kindness, we too, extinguish just a small drop of darkness and bring light.  We don’t have to move mountains, feed nations, or cure diseases to make a big impact.  One small act when someone needs it will bring great relief and comfort to those who receive it.  Maybe we just offer a helping hand with a heavy bag of groceries, or open a door for an elderly stranger, maybe we check in on our neighbor to see how they are, or call a loved one we haven’t seen in a while.  Small acts of kindness are powerful, and just like a stone tossed into a pond, may have endless rippling effects for good.  Our lives are busy and it’s easy to get caught up in our daily routine and all the things we have to accomplish.  But if we take a moment, just one small snatch of time, to look around, we will see something we can do that will enhance and improve the experience of someone around us. When we share, when we give and lift others, the whole world is enriched. We have so much to offer and so much to give.  By extending ourselves just a little and touching those around us, we can be like those tiny, beautiful twinkle lights. We have the power to change the world. Sharing with others, and caring about those around us will bring us great joy, and lasting fulfillment.

It’s hard to be around continually grouchy people, and their constant bickering brings us all down. As they bemoan what they don’t have or what they didn’t get or how they weren’t recognized or endless other gripes, those around them may try anything to get away. If we care for them we may try to encourage them to see things in a different light, and we might succeed.  However, our personal happiness is our own responsibility and if we’re determined to be miserable, there is little anyone can do. Life is complicated, and sometimes things will not go our way. Sometimes we’re going to fail, sometimes we’re going to lose, and sometimes we’re not going to get the job. But nothing is permanent and even if we’re struggling now, eventually things will change.  We can trust ourselves to do whatever is needed to change course, and find success.

Nobody gets a perfect life filled with rainbows and roses. We’re all going to suffer at some point.  If we’re enduring an extremely difficult passage, and it seems we’re doomed and there is no hope of rescue, we may struggle to find any light. It may seem as though everyone else has it better than we do, and somehow we’ve been singled out to suffer. Of course, that will never be true. Hard times may come, but no matter what happens, we will get through. No storm can last forever, and eventually the clouds will lift and everything will change. We are strong and capable, and nothing can hold us down forever. By focusing on what is working and keeping our eyes on the road ahead, we can walk through any trouble with confidence and clarity.

Today, remember how valuable and precious you are. There is great strength and wisdom within you and you are a gift to the world. Bring light to those around you, and share who you are.  Nobody could ever replace the blessings you have to offer.  Step forward with confidence.  Every gift is waiting, and every success is possible.  Nothing can keep you from your dreams, and you will prevail.

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Getting It Back

11 Apr

There are all kinds of people in the world.  Some are nice, helpful and polite, and when we deal with them things often go well.  But there are opposites in everything and some people we run into may be mean spirited and cruel.  They may do things that hurt us, demean us, or in other ways make us feel bad about ourselves and our lives.  If they are forceful and powerful we may shrink every time we interact with them.  It’s difficult to be around mean people who are rude and hateful and as we deal with them, we may feel our confidence slipping away.  If they continually insult us or make snide remarks to us or about us we may begin to feel insecure and find our resolve weakening.  We all have the right to choose anything we like and some people will choose badly.  When they come into our lives they may bring us hardship and grief.  When we begin to feel the effects of their negative influence we may try to simply deal with it or ignore it and continue on, but we have the power and the right to stand up for ourselves.  We need not allow anyone to demean us or criticize us without responding.  If we’ve lost our confidence, we can get it back.  We can stand strong in the face of ignoble behavior and refuse to allow it to compromise us.  If someone says something derogatory to us, we can state clearly that we will not tolerate comments that hurt or demean us.  There is great power is speaking up and we can claim it.  We are strong and capable and need not allow others to run us down.  Our gifts to the world are unique and we are precious and valuable.  Remembering our personal self-worth will help us face any difficulty or challenge in our lives.  We can stand strong, reclaim any confidence we’ve lost, and continue forward with strength and determination.

Diminishing others may make some feel more powerful and influential, but this kind of behavior is destructive and there is nothing of value to be gained by demeaning others.  Each individual brings something the world needs and when we honor them instead of ridicule them we are embellished and gratified.  When we reach out with charity and benevolence, we enhance goodness in those around us and raise them up.  We choose the type of influence we bring to the world and when we choose wisely, everyone benefits.

No influence is more powerful than kindness and charity.  Everything we do brings something into our lives.  If we lie, we lose the trust of those around us.  If we cheat, we lose our integrity.  If we criticize and demean, we lose our connections to others.    We can be noble and virtuous and choose paths that will bring us peace and each choice we makes tells the world who we are.

Today if you feel bad because of something someone has said or done and have lost your confidence, remember who you are and do what is needed to get it back.  You have so much to offer.  You are incredible and amazing, and the whole world is blessed because you are here.  Be strong and sure.  You have everything you need to succeed and nothing will hold you down.

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