I do not only what I must, but what I can.

I remember writing down a quote about twenty-ish years ago that went like this: I do not only what I must, but also what I can.

So often, we focus on our own needs, our own desires and we fail to see the countless opportunites that cross our paths each day - opportunities to make a difference in someone else's life. We use "being busy" as an excuse, but it really boils down to selfishness. And yet, if more people understood the exultation that comes from serving/helping others.

One of the greatest needs that humankind has is the need to be appreciated. I certainly want to be appreciated. It is difficult to be appreciated for buying groceries for your own family... however.... if you buy groceries for someone who is home-bound, you'll discover that your worth to another person goes up dramatically.

Yes, sometimes we want to be appreciated for "who we are" rather than for what we do, but oftentimes, the two go hand-in-hand. If I live in such a way that my actions, my words, my decisions (my LIFE) establish me as a kind and good person, then I will be appreciated for "who I am".

When I was a youngster (say, 10 or so), my mother would take me with her to nursing homes to read the Bible to the residents. We would take turns reading to them, and at the time, it didn't seem like it mattered much. In fact, sometimes, I imagine it was a bit boring and tiring. Most of the people we met with didn't have family come to visit them very often - and even if they did - we were still a welcome sight to them.

When my children were born, they started to go with me to visit people in nursing homes. My oldest started at age 2 and my youngest started at 6 weeks. We talk with them, sing to them, read to them, make cards for them - whatever they like and whatever we can do. I have even hemmed pajamas, purchased small items and other such tasks. But what each person enjoyed most was our presence. Touch. Laughter. Listening to stories.

And, we have been to their funerals. Death is a part of life.

When you take the time to make a difference in someone else's life, you can't help but make a difference in your own. Paying it forward is based on that concept. It is one way that I can make a difference.

I do not only what I must, but what I can.

~Carla