Day 7 - Pay it Forward
{Kindness}
Paying it forward means doing something kind for someone else without any expectation of being paid back, instead the recipient of that kindness does something for someone else. It’s a very simple concept, but one that can have far reaching impacts.
I am very fortunate to have such a strong example of “paying it forward” in my life. My dad has always been one to offer assistance to anyone at any time. I can’t recall the number of times my sisters and I sat in the car waiting while he stopped to help someone with a flat tire or an overheating car. Even if we were on our way somewhere or running late, there was always time to stop and help. I remember on snowy days he would have me help him shovel our huge driveway. When we were done with ours, we’d move on to several elderly families in the neighborhood. He wasn’t asked to do it, it’s just the kind of thing he does.
I’m grateful for what I’ve learned from my dad about service and lending a helping hand. I guess the best way I can “pay it forward” is to try to be that kind of example for my children; to instill in them the importance of kindness and love, without compensation or reward.