Pay it Forward
Earlier this evening, I met my parents for dinner at a local restaurant. Due to my dad’s position as the senior pastor of one of the largest churches in our community, it’s typical for my family to go out in public and see someone they know or at least recognize, and tonight was no exception – at least I thought. As we finished our meals and prepared for the bill, the waitress informed us that the bill had been covered for the evening by a wonderful couple from the church that had already left; to put it colloquially, they had “paid it forward”.
“Paying it forward” means instead of paying someone back directly for a good deed, rather pay that good deed forward to someone else to establish a chain of good deeds. It’s a fairly rare occurrence in the real world, but I can speak firsthand that being on the receiving end of a blind nice gesture is simply a good feeling. It might be a tad selfish, sure, but I think it’s safe to say that everyone enjoys good things happening to them, as they should! Getting to enjoy life’s pleasures is what living is all about – but there is more to paying it forward than receiving.
Receiving the benefits of a random good deed is fulfilling, but it doesn’t compare to the fulfillment that comes from actually doing something good for someone else. This can manifest in an infinite amount of ways: buy coffee for the person behind you, leave a huge tip for a server, gas up a stranger’s car, etc. More important than a small financial relief, however, is the emotional support that comes with a kind deed. That person on the receiving end, just like I did earlier tonight, feels valued and cared for. The world is a much better place when people care about those around them and keep the “big picture” in perspective.
Each of us has the power to radically change someone’s day through a small good deed, but a monetary contribution isn’t mandatory to positively influence someone’s circumstances. Roadside cleanups, book or other item donations, even a gesture as simple as a smile to someone in passing can have an effect on the rest of their day – and if not, I guarantee at the very least you will feel better about yourself.
Put this theory into practice for yourself and observe how your perspective of the world and other people changes. There is no kindness too small that isn’t worth doing – the smallest deed is always better than the greatest intention.
“The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
