The Social Improvement Project

Today I did something I normally don’t do – I gave money to someone on the side of the road asking for help. Usually I reserve my help and donations to working with organizations, yet today I saw a woman at an intersection with a sign. I didn’t read the whole thing, but I did she something about having four kids, and she looked sincere, as it was raining and the temperature was steadily dropping down into the forties.

I had just finished grocery shopping for the week, and had gotten $20 cash back. I reached in my pocket and pulled out that $20 bill, skipping over the single dollars I had, rolled down the window and offered it to her. She was very surprised that it was twenty bucks, and said “God bless you” and went back to the curb. To me, it was just some cash in case I needed it for something, but for her, maybe it was an extra night’s worth, or more if spent wisely, for her kids.

My eyes welled up as I drove off, not out of sadness, but instead thankfulness for what I do have. Despite any troubles or hardships I may have or have been through, I knew that I was in a good place overall. It reminded me of a conversation I had with “The Secret” author, Rhonda Byrne, a few months ago, who told me that the greatest purpose in life is to serve others in some capacity. So many great inspirational people, pastors, authors, coaches, entrepreneurs, teachers, parents and many more have proven over and again that the greatest rewards in life come not from what you get, but what you give. Ultimate success comes from this, and riches come in many forms, materially, socially and spiritually.

As the country reflected on things we are thankful for this past Thanksgiving, the absolute biggest thing I am thankful for is the inherent good in all of us and the experience of living – good times and bad. If every single one of us would figure out a way to help others in some fashion or another, our world would be a better place to live, and more people would be appreciative for what they do have while others give back after having been helped. There are times in all of our lives where we needed help and someone was there, let us not forget that as we move through the rest of the Holiday Season and on to the new year.