​GOOD THINGS HAPPEN

Good things happen to us all. The problem we have is that we do not fully recognize the good—because it is right in front of us. 

Do you believe in positive expectations?  You should.  What is it you expect out of yourself, out of your life?  Produce your life by loving thy neighbor.  The good that comes out of this will surprise you. Do not look for gratitude, or thanks—it might take years before you get it.  Be true to yourself—you are not in it for the accolades—you are in it because it is the right thing to do.  Think of it this way:  What would please God?
           
During Christmas, my neighbors give one another plates of cookies and other baked goods; but during the rest of the year we rarely, if ever, speak to each other. We are all busy doing our own thing, moving along in life with our families and our inner circle. We do not intentionally want to hurt anyone, but we are, at times, neglectful of others, we are careless, narrow minded, focused on jobs, careers, family issues and problems that appear to pop-up one after another without much of a break in between.  

So, what are we to do?  You do not have to go out of your way to help others in need, you only have to be true to yourself and this will lead you in the right direction.

Action Step:
One day this week, after work, do something nice for somebody. God is always watching and He knows when you do something from the heart. Helpfulness is more than doing an act of kindness; it is knowing that you are there—that you are available—that you are willing to take the time to care about another human being. What if you went to a co-worker, neighbor or somebody you know and said:  “I was thinking of you.  How have you been doing?  Here are some chocolates for you and your family?  My family loves these? And I think yours will too.”
           
Is doesn’t matter if you understand the situation others are in; the only thing that matters is that you love one-another without prejudices.  And do not ever judge another human being.  Each of our lives is different and God did not intend to make us into anything that we cannot be made into without his help. He knows what we are capable of.

A first step could be to start right at home, on your own block.  Do something nice for your neighbor.  It can be as simple as bringing in their garbage cans or putting their newspaper on their front porch.  Maybe you would like to bake cookies or make a cake or cut some flowers from your garden, or fruit from your fruit trees and present them to your neighbors or co-workers.  
When I had mango trees producing more mangos than my family and I could ever eat, I would fill dozens of bags of mangos and take them to my employees.  They loved it.   What if you baked something once a week for a different neighbor?  Would it really take much out of your time? You can do it while you cook your own dinner.

​Showing that you have been thinking about them and that you care means more than you think, especially during hectic times.  Little things do indeed go a long way.