We’ve all heard the expression “do good for the sake of doing good.” I believe that what this adage is teaching us, is that we shouldn’t expect a reward of any kind, but should do good deeds and be kind, simply because it’s the right thing to do. So should we be kind, good and generous, just for the sake of it?
Personally, I believe firmly that the answer is yes, we should always seek to do good — to be kind, help others, inspire, protect, encourage and, to love all, with no expectation of reward or recognition. If every person on this planet did just one act of kindness every day, can you imagine how much better our world would be? Putting all that kindness, generosity and goodness out into the world, would have miraculous results.
I happen to love stories that have a moral or message that we can learn from. The story of the Ant and the Dove is a simple tale, but it’s one with a powerful message.
The Ant and the Dove
One day an ant came to the bank of a river to drink water. The river current seemed to be high that afternoon and ant suddenly slipped and fell into the water. The ant was being swept rapidly away by the stream and feared that it might be its last day.
Thankfully, a kind dove sitting on the branch of a tree saw the ant falling into the river. The dove quickly plucked a leaf and dropped it into the river near the struggling ant so he could climb onto it. The Ant thanked the dove, who then carefully pulled the leaf out of the stream to the shore. The ant’s life was saved by the kind dove.
Later, the same day, a bird catcher nearby was about to throw his net over the dove hoping to trap it. An ant saw him and guessed what he was about to do. The dove was resting and he had no idea about the bird catcher. An ant quickly bit him on the foot. Feeling the pain, the bird catcher dropped his net and let out a light scream. The dove noticed it and quickly flew away.
The moral of the story? If we do good, good may indeed come back to us and “one good turn deserves another.” But more importantly, its to be kind and good, simply for the sake of it. Today, we should all make a commitment to be gentle, kind and good to others and, to ourselves.
“Kindness is universal. Sometimes being kind allows others to see the goodness in humanity through you. Always be kinder than necessary.” ― Germany Kent
“Lift up your eyes and see the good in the world, for we are people with an amazing capacity to do great good. And if only the minority choose to exercise this capacity to the smallest degree, oh how wondrous and sweet the deeds performed at but a few hands!” ― Richelle E. Goodrich
