Have I Done Any Good?

"Have I done any good in the world today?

Have I helped anyone in need?

Have I cheered up the sad and made someone feel glad?

If not I have failed indeed.

Had anyone's burden been lighter today because I was willing to share?

Have the sick and the weary been helped on their way?

When they needed my help was I there?

Then wake up and do something more than dream of your mansion above. 

Doing good is a pleasure, a joy beyond measure,

A blessing of duty and love."

---Hymns. 223

I grew up singing the words to this beautiful hymn, and am so grateful for its influence in my life. I was also continually advised by my parents to aim to improve and uplift every person and situation I encountered each day; to contribute and edify, and to add light. This is what I have tried to do with my time here on Earth, and hope to teach my children to do as well.

A favorite poem advises us best:

Decide to do at least one good action a day,
If not several, or innumerable ones.
Talk to God every morning and ask Him,
"What good can I do today?"
He will answer you and guide you, for He is in you.
And you will have given Him life by asking Him.
God speaks to you through your soul which is the
true guide of your life.
Ask God, talk to God, dialogue with God and you
will be the source of many miracles.
You will produce them all around you.
Do at least one good action a day until the very
end of your life.
Just think what a huge amount of good that will represent!
And if all 4-7 billion people on Earth do one good
action a day WHAT A PLANET IT WILL BE!
---Dr. Robert Muller, Chancellor Emeritus, University of
Peace, Costs Rica, Former Undersecretary General of the United Nations

What a legacy we would leave if this were our goal, to: "Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as you ever can."---John Wesley

Now, go have a wonderful day, and "be the good"!