It Never Gets Old
“There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up.”
—John Holmes
Stories about people going above and beyond the call of duty to offer kindness, hope, and help never get old.
I helped a friend last weekend contact loved ones around the country to update them on her health situation and recent move into hospice care. This included me reporting the events of the last few days, so she could focus her energy on the loving connection with each person.
Telling the story of five firemen breaking down the door to help her after a fall trapped her at home alone and then going above and beyond to ensure she was safe and cared for never got old.
A painful situation was made better with the retelling of the story each time. This is the power of extraordinary service. It lives on long after the event, uplifting more and more people.
Extending beyond care for the person impacted by their service, these stories can rekindle our hope for the future. Surely there are thousands more people like those firemen making a difference and seeking ways to make the world a better place.
So today I offer gratitude to every first responder (both professional and neighbor) who shines brightly in their service. May they feel in their hearts the outpouring of appreciation shared from person to person.
What stories about how extraordinary care (whether personally experienced or not) uplift you and are worthy of passing on?
May stories of extraordinary care remind you of the amazing human spirit you can tap into when needed to help another. And may you pause for a moment today to offer a prayer of thanks to every first responder.
PS. This story was shared with permission, with details of the extraordinary care left out for privacy.
One Small Act
“We can’t heal the world today, but we can begin with a voice of compassion, a heart of love, an act of kindness.”
―Mary Davis
Kindness
“Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love.”
― Lao Tzu
Hold Out Your Hand
Let’s forget the world for a while
fall back and back
into the hush and holy
of now
are you listening? This breath
invites you
to write the first word
of your new story
your new story begins with this:
You matter
you are needed—empty
and naked
willing to say yes
and yes and yes
Do you see
the sun shines, day after day
whether you have faith
or not
the sparrows continue
to sing their song
even when you forget to sing
yours
stop asking: Am I good enough?
Ask only
Am I showing up
with love?
Life is not a straight line
it’s a downpour of gifts, please—
hold out your hand
—Julia Fehrenbacher,
You can find out more about her poetry on her website.
