Blessings

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Time After Time

Blessings

How many times have we heard about people in need being ignored? We've heard that people see a need and turn away because they "don't want to get involved". We've heard that people want to help but don't know what they can do. We've heard from people who feel that they cannot make a large dollar donation, so they do nothing and feel helpless at the news of hunger and abuse in the daily news.

Recently I have had cause to witness just how much people can do to help by simple acts of kindness. A knee injury requires me to be on crutches. I am allowed to work, but not to do any standing or walking. I am lucky that my car has an automatic transmission or driving would also be prohibited. I have learned firsthand how difficult it can be for a handicapped person. The simplest act becomes a major challenge.

I'm rather independent, priding myself on my ability to take care of myself. Yet I find myself saying "thank you" a hundred times a day for small acts that make my day easier. From the women in the cafeteria who help by carrying my tray, to the many people who open doors for me, to the stranger who carried my coffee to my desk ... these simple acts of kindness go a long way toward helping me to get through my days while waiting for surgery. Last week we had freezing rain and then snow. I was faced with major cleanup before I could drive my car. I barely got started when two of our sales coaches came out and saw me scraping away. They took over the scraping and told me to get in the warming car and relax. I am blessed many times each day and "thank you" doesn't seem enough to convey my gratitude.

All of this has been a graphic demonstration to me of the ways we can make a difference in someone's life. I know that I will be much more willing to lend someone a hand after this experience. I know that it doesn't take a huge effort or a large donation to make a difference in a life. It just takes seeing a need and making a effort to fill it. Those small efforts multiply greatly and make a huge difference.

Peggy Erickson
02/15/01

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