Reach Back
Photo Credit: Creative Commons via Bing
This weekend, we celebrated the life of one of the elders of our community. What a beautiful celebration it was! People from near and far, who knew and loved our neighbor and friend, Les Thomas, came to share stories filled with joy, love, compassion, and wisdom.
Les was full of wisdom, but not the kind many think of - the old sage sitting with followers thirsting for a drop of insight. No, his was the wisdom of a life well lived, full of humility and compassion.
This dear man left us a legacy far greater than all the riches of the world. He left us with examples, many of which we shared at his memorial, of how to serve others; thereby, making the world a much better place.
As I said, Les was humble. He didn't go around telling everyone that he had helped this person or charity. He simply did the work of ministering to his community, as if it were part of his daily routine, which it was. He drove elderly friends to the doctors or to other appointments. He dropped off food to shut-ins, be they single moms that he may have taught in school, or elders who had fallen on hard times. He constantly made his corner of the world a better place by bringing flowers to his church and the local library. Simple gifts given with great love and compassion.
As the days move forward into spring, let us all strive to follow the example of my dear friend, Les. Let us remember to reach back and help others, even when we may feel at our lowest. For surely, this is what we are all called to do, no matter our faith path. Let us offer kindness, without expectation or reward, to all we meet.
Blessings to all!
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