YOU DON’T NEED MONEY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE
I recently attended the funeral of someone I had known for a long time. When it came time for sharing memories, over and over again there was a resonant theme: this gentleman had touched many lives through acts of service.
What were some of these things? Well, they weren’t grand gestures - they were lots of love poured into little things:
- Sometimes all people need is for someone to be there and to listen.
- Someone to cook, someone to serve, someone to cleanup, someone to make phone calls or organize something. He did it all.
- No cartwheels necessary - someone to boost morale and lift spirits through a positive, upbeat attitude.
- Making the newcomer feel welcome with a handshake and friendly greeting. There are no strangers, he believed, just people he hadn’t met yet.
- Being a person that someone could call when their car broke down or standing with them while they waited for their ride home at night.
- Walking the talk. He didn’t just go to services on Sunday and hear a message that he forgot when he walked out the door - he took the message to heart and lived it, understanding that he wasn’t perfect but everyone could try to do something to make the world a better place.
It can be easy for people to think they have to spend a lot of money to get involved in something. Not so. While this gentleman was generous in supporting things he believed in financially, it was his physical presence and action that meant so much - the things that cost nothing but time.
Something to definitely ponder.
The opinions expressed are those of the author. Seek professional advice before taking any action in regard to your finances.
Todd A. Slingerland, CFP®
6 Tower Place Albany, NY 12203 todd@4cfp.net www.capitalfinancialplanning.net