“The majority of us lead quiet, unheralded lives as we pass through this world. There will most likely be no ticker-tape parades for us, no monuments created in our honor. But that does not lessen our possible impact, for there are scores of people waiting for someone just like us to come along; people who will appreciate our compassion, our unique talents. Someone who will live a happier life merely because we took the time to share what we had to give. Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have a potential to turn a life around.”
–Leo Buscaglia

I remember reading this many years ago. The author escaped me, until I researched it this week, but I never forgot no ticker-tape parades, no monuments, and sharing what we have to give. Like the Golden Rule, this is one of those at-the end-of-the-day quotes. At-the-end-of-the-day, end-of-the-month, end-of-the-year, have we shared what we have to give? Beyond the seasonal holiday charity, do we continue out-reach all 12 months? So much of what we have to give is hidden in plain sight- easy thoughtful gestures we can exercise daily. I’ve made a random list to jump-start perpetual sharing:
Smile, give up your chair in the waiting room, call your grandparents, praise your child’s teacher, be polite, tip the restroom-cleaning attendant, rescue an animal or find one a home, read to an elderly person who’s vision has faded, be an organ donor, thank your parents, drive family or friends to doctor appointments, babysit a few hours for a single parent, call the friend who lost a loved one, be a mentor, allow someone that needs the Thanksgiving turkey to scan your groceries on their store point card, be kind, buy lemonade from the lemonade stand, give your change to a scholarship fund, show interest in others lives, teach your talent gratis, be patient, take cleaning products and food to the animal shelter, look for the good in others, rent or donate a no-longer-used instrument for a band student, give blood, be the designated driver, hold the door open, donate books to schools and local libraries, be generous, volunteer in community social services, set a good example against bullying, donate time to build a habitat house, allow the less fortunate to pick your pecans, and last, because I’m over the word limit, donate gently worn career clothes and a salon visit to someone seeking employment.

Be intentional each, and every, day sharing what you have to give. Imagine all the non-monetary little things you can do that will impact someone’s life. I know I’m preaching to the choir; this is more about being aware of the goodness we have within us, and sharing it.
“Imagine no possessions
I wonder if you can
No need for greed or hunger
A brotherhood of man
Imagine all the people sharing all the world”
–John Lennon
Happy New Year!

Best of the Best: Local Social Services

• The Benevolent Fund, Jim NeSmith, Madison Baptist Church, 706-342-2177
• Boys and Girls Club of Madison-Morgan County, 706-342-1117
• The Caring Place, 706-342-9861
• CARI (Companion Animal Rescue, Inc.), comanimalrescue@aol.com
• Energy Assistance, 478-453-7346
• Georgia Equine Rescue League, Ltd. (GERL), 770-464-0138
• Georgia Rescue and Rehab (animal rescue), contact Carol at 706-752-1500
• Humane Society of Morgan County, 706-343-9977
• Joseph’s Coat, 706-342-0444, watch for new Wellington location
• Madison Health and Rehab (nursing facility), 706-342-3200
• Madison House Assisted Living, 706-342-4514
• Meals on Main, serves 60-100 hot meals every Friday to adults and children in need. 100 percent volunteer donations, meal prep and serving. Contact Laree Zant, llzant@yahoo.com. Donations can be made to Madison Baptist Church earmarked "Meals on Main."
• Morgan County Community Action, 706-342-3343
• Morgan County Senior Center, 706-342-1614
• Panda Packs, weekend meal packs for disadvantaged school children, Kelly Freyer at Church of the Advent, 706-342-4787. To volunteer, donations can be made to Church of the Advent earmarked "Panda Packs.”
• St Vincent De Paul Society of St James Mission, 706-342-8775

Printed in the January 10, 2013 edition