Yesterday I helped my sister get past a bad day. I left her cry it out, vent her frustrations and tell me her fears. I was the rock to the shifting sands surrounding her.
I did not relay any great words of wisdom. I did not have any secrets to share that would solve any of her puzzling conundrums. I did not, and could not take any of her burdens away to lighten her load.
All I could do was listen to her, express my heartfelt empathy for what she was going through, added some levity to some of her struggles, and remind her of things she already knew.
When the conversation ended, her voice became calm. I could feel the smile in her words spoken back to me. Her heart became stronger. And her resolve to shoulder life's burdens became manageable once more. She laughed and told me she loved me. She told me how much our conversation eased her troubles and made her feel better.
By giving of myself, with no ego, or judgment, I made a difference in someone's life. When I hung up my phone, I felt this incredible feeling.
Even as the tiredness of my body and mind settled on me, I still had a smile as I got ready for bed. I felt like a superhero.
*******************************************************************************
It sounds dopey writing it now. But it is true.
I implore you to be a hero today for someone in your life. Heck, do it for a perfect stranger.
Pay it forward, my friend, and you will be surprised by the outcome.
God Bless :)