Heed to Good Deeds

You see and hear about good deeds almost everyday. Those that are broadcasted from the news, others being declared from the mouths of those involved. Then there are the deeds that are happening under the radar, without a platform, without a spotlight, without a sounding voice. These are the deeds that leave a resounding impression on the world each day. If we live to seek the deeds that may be too far out of our reach, we will find that the deeds we can accomplish will be diminished. There is no deed too small, for every deed builds on to the last, in deed.

Good deeds come in so many different forms. It is when you are open to helping others that deeds become a part of you and that they no longer must be strategically planned but spontaneous and innate.

We were enjoying our time at the artesian. A warm day of swimming, splashing, and soaking in the sun. We began a conversation with another visitor. Soon cries of help came from the river nearby. “Help, help!” We ran over to investigate to find a woman and elderly man nearly fully submerged in the water. One of us jumped in, the other phoned for help. The strong flowing river wouldn’t win today. It didn’t matter that the man was ninety-one, or that they were complete strangers, or that it was a serious and dangerous rescue. What mattered is that it was a selfless good deed and a life was saved.

Feeding ducks was a traditional pastime for him and his mother. It was something that brought enjoyment for them and in turn a good deed for the ducks. Particularly on this day, a couple with their young child watched as the two interacted with the ducks. That is when the boy and his mother decided that they would give the remainder of their duck food to the family. It was not the joy of giving the food to the couple and the child that was the most fruitful and rewarding, but the pure joy of watching the ducks overtake their space and the delightment and enthusiasm on their faces that made the deed even more impactful.

She knew she should not buy cookies every time she went to the store but they were just so darn delicious. As she scanned the shelves for deals first and then self satisfying goodness, she couldn’t help but overhear a woman tell her husband that cookies are not important when they have so little money. At that moment, it seemed so ravenous to be loading her cart with three packages of cookies. It was at that instant that she reached into her purse and pulled out a small bill and handed it to the couple. One tear rolled down the woman’s beautiful brown skin. That was all the thank you that was needed.

He loved his time by the lake. The peaceful sense of nature, the many sounds of wildlife and the wind making its impression as it moved through the valley. What he didn’t like was what was often left behind by visitors who had come before him. It wasn’t something he looked for recognition from nor did he find it as a noble deed. However, he would make it his mission that each time he ventured to the lake to find solace that he would bring a trash bag and collect the items that did not belong. As he filled up the bag each time he would smile and would feel rewarded. His heart filled with warmth and he felt as though someone or something was smiling back at him. Although unobservant by others, his deed was utilized and perhaps appreciated by many.

She first met him at the feed store when she was picking up some dog food. He immediately caught her eye and at the same time a sort of sadness fell over her heart. He was slightly trembling, his eyes wide opened, and many of his feathers were missing. He is an African Gray parrot that was rescued from a home that was not conducive to a healthy well being. From that day forward she would visit the bird on a regular basis and bring him toys, vegetables, and other goodies. She did it because she longed for him to be a happier bird, a more well adjusted living being, something most of us strive for. So this deed is really a growth and healing journey for the both of them.

Setting his loneliness, heavy drinking, and hurt arm aside, he was a good hearted person, for the most part. You could say he was successful and had it all at one point, maybe that’s something common among many of us...until that day. For him it was his divorce. His new neighbor didn’t know his background yet, but he could tell he needed a friend or at least a positive voice to hear. His neighbor just moved there and he was a loving, giving man. His good deeds came on a daily basis with a smile, a short chat, a ride to town, or chopping wood. His neighbor didn’t see these acts as good deeds, but things that any good willed person would find reasonable.

At the heart of every good deed is a spark of hope for the future. An ignition for the continuation of kindness, love, and good will in the circle of life. May we heed to the good deed today and thereafter. Even freed by a deed.