I remember, many years ago, learning about how our actions are important and many times influence the actions of others. I never really gave the concept much thought but centered myself on an ideal my parents consistently reiterated with me, the value of doing good and doing it for the right reasons.  As I have grown into adulthood, the attempts at fair play and being the better person dominated my behavior, although just like everyone else I’ve faltered at times, falling short of my goals, harboring frustrations and ill will momentarily. This past week brought the concept back to light in its full glory as I returned home from work.

          Upon completing work, I drove to our motel, where my children were hanging out with their grandmother. As I opened the door, I was greeted by my child, bearing a smile, as she moved quickly throughout the kitchen.  Sensing that the child wanted to disclose some valuable truth to me, I inquired as to how her day had been. Without hesitation, the child described how she learned that one of our motel guests had children. She went on to describe that her grandmother had told her that the children may need a friend to play with because their family was going through a difficult time in their lives.  She went on to describe that she heard they had very little clothing and were really struggling.

          As we spoke about the situation my daughter began telling me how she felt bad for her new friends, and she felt it was necessary to do something about it. My child described that she hoped I wasn’t upset, but she had gone to her room and collected six (6) sets of tops and bottoms which no longer fit her. She described she made sure the outfits were nice and matched, and she gave the clothing to the children, hoping “it would make them happier”. As I listened to the child rationalize her decision and actions I simply sat in silence. Looking up to me with wide eyes and hopeful heart, she asked if I was upset.

          As I looked at the child, I reassured her that I felt her behavior was awesome and I was happy that she chose to give of herself to help another. We spoke about how sometimes others go through valleys in their lives, just like we can, and being the means by which others can prosper is admirable and the right thing to do. Expecting nothing in return was the key, I explained. As we went about our routine duties I will admit, I fought back to urge to inquire more fully as to the child’s motives and how she went about the process of choosing the perfect outfits, but simply let it go.  Instead, I simply enjoyed the moment and thought about how truly awesome and kind my children were.

I thought about how truly gifted we are as humans, when we are able to recognize a need within others and then, without any need of public recognition, act accordingly to lessen the burden. Being rich or poor, status driven or a recluse, has little bearing on our actions and choices. Rather, when we choose to help another through their difficulties, hoping for nothing more than their progress, it is then that we recognize that our actions truly can have an impact.

My child felt compassion and in the end, pride for her ability to recognize a need and acting upon that need. A pride which is shared by her father as he watches his child seek not the attention from service but rather the results of their action, and the betterment of another’s journey. In a world where seemingly, everyone strives to be an influencer let us not forgot our children are watching and whether we like it or not, they mirror our actions, words, and our very choices. Choose actions wisely my friends, for there is an entire generation which will someday emulate what they learn today. Give them a show, future generations will be proud of.