Fortune Cookie Friday: Good Deeds Are Better When They Come From the Heart

This past week end, a small group from my church went to help move some furniture for a parishioner. They recently sold their parents’ house and needed to get the rest of the items out, and packed into one of those large POD containers. Four adults and four teenagers headed to the house, ready to help.

I was unaware of just how big some of the items were. I had this impression of moving a couch and bed, maybe a couple hauls of boxes. When we arrived, I found I was mistaken. Oh, there were boxes and beds, but also a large entertainment unit, refrigerator, and a full solid oak dining room set. The dining room furniture was old. What may have been a cherry finish was now black with age. Beautifully carved legs adorned the table, and matched the detail on the buffet and china cabinet.

Our little rat pack crew were anything but professional movers, but with the help of a dolly, we were able to get everything into the POD container. The owner was very happy to have the help; relief, and some exhaustion, shown on her face. In fact, we were all tired, but it felt good to help her out.

This was a big task to take on, but even a small deed can be great, as long as you do it from your heart. If you help someone, expecting some reward, then you are doing it for the wrong reason. I didn’t help this woman because I wanted accolades from her or others. I was not expecting payment for my services. We weren’t expecting anything for helping her, but walked away with full hearts.

Give, because you want to give. Help, because you want to help. When it comes from your heart, with no strings attached, you will feel a hundred times better than you could ever expect.