The season? … of giving

As the holiday season approaches, the theory is that people’s attitudes change. Supposedly at this time of year, people become more forgiving, more aware of the needs of others … in short more caring. Whether this actually happens or not is debatable and a matter of personal experience.  But even if this is truly what happens, one question always comes up for me at this time of year.

Why do we choose to be good people for only a season?

This makes no sense to me. If we are capable of such behavior for a couple of months a year, why not the WHOLE year? Is is somehow more important to be good at a certain time of year because there is a chance of imminent reward? Or maybe this is when we feel at our lowest so treat others well in the hopes they will return the favor? It seems to me that the so-called “season” of giving should last lifetimes … not just a few months. But maybe I am just an idealistic fool.

The simple fact is if one can do it for a day, they can do it for a lifetime. It is not a matter of ability. Simply a matter of choice. If we can stop hostilities because of a specific holiday, then that plain and simply means they CAN BE STOPPED.

All it takes is a willing hand ...
All it takes is a willing hand …

If we don’t it is because we don’t want to.

Changing the world for the better does not take great power. It does not take great wealth. It does not take great skills or great education. It takes only one thing. The will to do so. It could be as simple as forgiving a mistake instead of condemning one for making it. It could be as grandiose as standing in front of a tank in protest. It could be as intense as committing a lifetime to it. Or it could be fleeting as making a donation. The key is that we DO … SOMETHING. As often as we can. And maybe the best time … is when we think we can’t.

There is so much going on in the world today that to say things like “It is not my problem!” or “I can’t do anything,” is nothing more than a convenient excuse. While one specific issue may not directly affect your life, others will. There is ALWAYS something that can be done to improve the world around us, even if only a small part. This is a good time of year to begin making a difference again. The real trick is to KEEP doing it.