Goodwill

[Mikilt]

I tell this story not to aggrandize myself, but to make a point about goodwill and to express a holiday sentiment.

I just spent a bunch of money on a special gift for myself and it's not a kilt.

My sister is unemployed and struggling. Last night I was at work late and I got a call telling me that she was stranded with two flat tires. I went immediately to meet her. She had been on her way to a show, so I gave her my car and I stayed and waited for the tow truck.

I could have been content with that good deed.

But I wasn't. This morning I called her mechanic and paid her bill. She doesn't know yet.

But wait, that sounds more like a gift for her than a gift for me. Here is the thing, I am giving her this gift with the challenge that she do something outrageously nice for someone. Stranger or friend, I don't care. I don't care what she does. I only care that she passes it on.

This is known as "Paying it Forward". It starts with one person's act of kindness to another. That person then does something for another person, and so on. It makes me feel good to believe I am starting something that might have a positive impact on who knows how many lives.

I wrote a poem for her.

Niceness matters
Kindness counts
Small deeds add up
To great amounts

Random acts
For folks in need
Goodwill waxes
This is my creed

Just a smile
Is what I’m saying
Goes for miles
Forward paying

Go find someone
And make their day
Just for fun
See what they say

Then you ask
Them for the same
A torch to pass
Keep up the game

No thanks required
But I hope you’ll play too
I hope you’re inspired
A good deed to do

It’s your life
This is your hour
Opportunity rife
You have the power

Get out and do good
For a fellow being
It’s understood
It’s your heart you’ll be freeing

A gift that’s given
From your core
That another may live
Is paying it forward

Goodwill, I say
Goes really far
Which is why today
I paid for your car