“The fragrance of flowers spread only in the direction of the wind. But the goodness of a person spreads in all directions.” Chanakya
Do you believe you are a good person? What do you do that makes you think that? If you don’t think you’re a good person, what do you need to change?
This time of year the fragrance of flowers graces us whenever we are outside. Their blossoms fill the sky and are scattered across the lawn especially after high winds or rain. The very sight of them is uplifting and touches my heart. They remind me of the people who have also touched my life and those who have made the world better for all of us.
I don’t have to define goodness. We all know what it is although some of us may disagree about the people we consider to be good. Division is rampant in our country right now in politics. As a result it is also dividing some families. When we are staunch-believers and build walls around us, letting only those who believe like we do connect with us, we severely limit our lives.
Improving The Planet and People’s Lives
Despite the division and negative attitudes rampant in our society, there are still people whose goodness fills the air like the fragrance of spring flowers. Greta Thunberg, the Swedish environmental activist has moved the world to pay more attention to climate change and to do what we need to do to save the planet. Her goodness has spread over the world.
In Asheville, the homeless situation is dire, but there is a movement to provide the homeless with decent housing. Some hotels have allowed them to occupy rooms without having to pay. Others are proposing building shelters that will allow those who want to live outdoors to have the facilities they need. Through our good actions, we may change others’ lives for the better.
Basis of Goodness Is Love
Goodness usually refers to what we think will be positive or beneficial in a thought or action. Often the basis of it is love. We act in a good way because we care about the environment, or our family and friends.
Before my husband and I were married, we each lived in our own houses. On a hike one day, I slipped and fell, badly breaking my ankle. It required surgery and the doctor put a plate and pin in it. My greatest fear was that I wouldn’t be able to walk down the aisle for our June wedding. I was afraid my only choice was going into a facility to care for me, but my past experience with rehab was not good.
I was thrilled when my husband decided to move in early to care for me. His act of goodness only further confirmed that I had definitely chosen the right man, but I did feel badly that our life together was starting that way. Because of his love and caring, I was able to walk down the aisle on our wedding day.
The Goodness of Friendship
Friendships are valuable. They often allow us to share our thoughts freely without the other’s judgement. A good friend listens, expresses empathy, and if asked, ventures an opinion. Sharing ideas from a loving perspective often helps us see answers to problems we can’t see alone. The value of a good friend is priceless.
Years ago, when I moved to the middle of Nebraska to teach, I immediately became friends with two good women. I think they were drawn to me because I was different – a dancer and from “the big city.” I was thrilled because they were warm and open and made me feel at home despite the culture gap that I experienced.
These warm friendships helped me be more upbeat with my students, especially in the midst of a freezing winter in a strange place. I tried to be not only the students’ teacher, but also a caring person with whom they could share their concerns when they were struggling. My friends’ goodness spread through me to others.
When we think about people like Mother Theresa or Martin Luther King, Jr. we have to acknowledge their influence was gigantic and their goodness spread throughout the world. But we don’t have to be famous to make a difference. We just have to be willing to share our own goodness wherever and whenever we can.
© 2020 Georganne Spruce
Thank you, Nina, for today’s topic. If anyone wants to contribute to next week’s topic, please offer a word starting with “H” and leave it in “Comment” at the end. Thanks!
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AWAKENING TO DISCOVER THE LIGHT
AWAKENING TO LOVE THE WORLD, PART 1
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