Pass it Forward

We bought the movie today called “War Room.”  Merril is watching it now.  I first saw it on Foxtel, and was totally blown away by it.  It was so what I was not expecting.  It is a great title for a movie. I sat down to watch it, fully expecting to see people moving ships and troops with long things on a map before them, and telephones going all the time.  It was not like that.  It reminded me of seeing “Chariots of Fire” on the plane to the US.  I was a wide eyed country lad, and that movie seemed totally appropriate for the journey I was embarking on.
What really got me today, from the 10 seconds or so I saw of the movie, was how we can miss out on so much by being totally self-obsessed.
There are people who’s lives can be totally turned around for the better, by my one act of kindness.  I see it all the time on Facebook.  Someone climbed four floors of balconies to rescue a child.  That person was made a hero, met the president of France, and made a French citizen.  Another person gave water and food to a family he passed who were sharing a bottle of water.  His act brought the mum to tears.
One act, and it changed everything. My act need not be earth shattering, or be in the Guinness Book of Records, but it can make a difference for the better for someone.  Sometimes even the simplest thing can mean so much to someone. For anyone who may not be expecting it, it can be an eye opener.
It seems to be, that it is not something designed to bring self-aggrandisement.  It is a selfless act, designed for someone else.  It may be why kids appreciate parents so much later in life.  When parents are changing nappies and generally looking out for their offspring, they are taken for granted.  It is only later the offspring realize the cost involved.  It is basically putting a life on hold for a number of years.  A parent said to me “it doesn’t matter where my child goes, a part of my heart goes with them.”
That to me is caring.  It is probably what the movie “Pass it Forward” was based on.  Although that works and is good, if it is based on only a formula, it is simply mechanical.  To me it needs to be lubricated with genuine care.
I knew a girl that was faced with a choice.  Study for an exam, or visit someone in hospital.  One act would help her, and the other would mean a lot to someone else.  She did both.  She had always been a top student and remained one.  Not studying at the time was not a cop out.  Her good marks have opened doors for her, but at the time it was a choice.  Visiting hospital had wide ranging implications for others.
My mum would walk to visit people in hospital, and at the time she should have been in hospital herself.  For me, it is making right choices that counts.  So much of what I do is like chaff that will be blown away and forgotten.  It is what I do that has a positive impact on others, which can change everything.