Generosity is a beautiful thing.
I have been privileged to be an observer, a receiver, and a giver of generosity in many ways throughout my life. Generosity and simple, sincere kindness go hand in hand, and I will never cease to be amazed at the power of kindness.
Whether it’s observing a little girl share her ice cream with her brother, witnessing a teenage boy give up his seat for an elderly woman on the subway, receiving an unexpected and precious gift from a friend, or getting the opportunity to bless an overwhelmed waiter with a big tip, kindness and generosity have a way of bringing beauty into even the ugliest days.
And while it’s nice to receive gratitude and a thank you card, sincere generosity really is its own reward. If given from the heart, generosity doesn’t require acknowledgment or praise to brighten your day or bring beauty into your life.
If done with the right attitude, something as simple as having the opportunity to hold the door open for someone with their arms full is enough to put a smile on my face that lasts all the way across the parking lot and into my car. And it really doesn’t take much more than that to put me in a good mood for the rest of the day!
One simple act of kindness, one small gesture of generosity, and my eyes are opened again to see the beauty of the world. Like I said, generosity is a beautiful thing, and I sincerely believe that generosity is its own reward.
How about you, how has generosity affected your life – as an observer, recipient, or giver? What can you do today to offer generosity to someone around you?
Dan, you are the man when it comes to this one. Well said and you are the practicer of this preach.
Gotta tell you a quick story. Freshman English at UNL my first year I corrected the Eng teach on giving me a higher grade than was warrented because of an error she made. Expecting a “thanks for being honest” I got a lower grade and an “let honesty be its own reward” response. Great lesson. Never forgot it. I’m a believer.
Dan, excellent topic and it could not have come at a better time of the year. So many simple ways to give to people you know, as well as those you don’t know.