Following My Heart

 

For as long as I can remember I have been criticized and lectured because of my random acts of kindness.

People have question me about what I do with my own money, or lecture me about being used by people.

I have always found it odd, how am I being used if the gesture was my idea.

I remember a conversation my mother and I had back in 1981. We had gone out to eat and I saw a man and his family on the side of the road with a sign saying I will work for food.

So I stopped and gave him some money.

My mother said I know your heart is in the right place but you shouldn't give those people money, you don't know what they are going to do with it.

I thought long and hard before responding.

Finally, I told her that it was not my responsibility what they choose to do with my act of kindness, it was theirs. They would have to stand before God and answer to him, for what they do.

Just as I would have to do if I chose to walk by and not help.

Since February 27, 1976, I promised to do my best to do an act of kindness every single day, and I have kept that promise. Sometimes it's just a kind word, or a larger deed, but I do my best to keep that promise.

Today I am grateful for the courage and ability to follow my heart.