No need to be loud and performative. We just need to be there: the simple, human act of showing up for one another. Putting ourselves out there to help someone else. It’s a high like no other, at least for me.
As we age, many of us begin to see that the most meaningful moments in life are rarely about what we’ve achieved. They are about connection. I’ve found that my best moments have been about easing another person’s burden, even briefly. That’s when I feel fulfilled.
When I call someone I know is lonely, it affects me. Or when I deliver a meal I made myself. It’s an act of grace to take time to really listen to someone without thinking about my own to-do list. Holding a hand in grief can be a beautiful gift. Sitting beside another in the dark until they can find their own light again is a blessing that those of us who have never lost the light might not fully appreciate
These things may seem small in the moment, but they are not small. Service changes both people: the one being helped and the one offering help.
When we serve others with love, something in us softens and expands. The endless preoccupation with ourselves quiets for a while. We can forget the cruelties of the outside world for a moment.
Later in life, many of us have learned that possessions do not warm us the way kindness does. Accomplishments and titles fade. We don’t see the need for applause–it’s fleeting, anyway.
But the memory of having truly been there for another human being? That remains luminous. At least for me.
There is deep blessing in becoming someone others can lean on, not because we are perfect or endlessly strong, but because we are willing: willing to notice, to care and to love in practical ways.
I learned this in a big way 35 years ago at the peak of the AIDS era, when I trained to do emotional support work with people who had HIV.
And yes, sometimes service is grand, but more often, it is beautifully ordinary:
Making soup. Sending the note. Remembering the birthday. Driving someone to an appointment. Speaking gently to a tired cashier. Welcoming someone who feels invisible.
It’s just that simple. These are holy acts, whether the world calls them that or not.
And in serving others, we often discover something surprising: life becomes richer.
The heart does not diminish from giving –it enlarges.
Perhaps that is one of the great truths of aging: we stop asking, “What can life give me?” and begin asking, “How can I bless the life around me while I am still here?”
What a privilege that is, and what a sacred way to spend our days.
This is so true. It’s often the small things, like making a meal, giving someone a ride, or simply taking the time to listen, that mean the most. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized that kindness and being there for others bring far more joy than anything we could buy or accomplish. Helping someone else really does help our own hearts too.
Yes, yes, yes! So very true. Some of the greatest blessings in life come from simply showing up for others and helping in whatever way we can. Kindness truly has a way of blessing both the giver and the receiver.
I love your reminder that service does not have to be grand to matter. The simple acts of listening, showing up, and caring can deeply enrich both lives.
I totally agree with you. Being able to serve others also gives something back to us. There’s a different kind of fulfillment that comes from helping others and knowing that what we do has a positive impact. It gives us a sense of purpose.
I appreciated the reminder that giving our time or attention to someone can be rewarding in ways we don’t always expect. It doesn’t have to involve money or a huge commitment either, which makes the idea feel much more realistic. Sometimes a simple gesture really can make a difference.
So true… the heart doesn’t diminish from giving to others. I remember a sage once said that when we give, both the giver and the receiver are blessed. Sadly, so many don’t trust the process or care enough to help others.
Such a beautiful reminder you share here. We bring a lot of joy into our own lives and others by showing kindness. I would love to hear more about your emotional support work
I always tell my kids there are three things people can donate: time, money, or items. My husband and I both donate a lot of our time, and we always end up getting so much out of the time we serve. We have both been Boy Scout leaders for almost a decade as our kids started through the ranks in Cubs and now Troop level. It’s amazing to watch these kids grow!
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Doesn’t it feel good to serve others?
When I call someone I know is lonely, it affects me. Or when I deliver a meal I made myself. It’s an act of grace to take time to really listen to someone without thinking about my own to-do list. Holding a hand in grief can be a beautiful gift. Sitting beside another in the dark until they can find their own light again is a blessing that those of us who have never lost the light might not fully appreciate
It’s just that simple. These are holy acts,
Especially in these horrible, cruel times, it’s lovely to see love and kindness. In some ways, that may be our greatest weapon against the darkness.
This is so true. It’s often the small things, like making a meal, giving someone a ride, or simply taking the time to listen, that mean the most. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized that kindness and being there for others bring far more joy than anything we could buy or accomplish. Helping someone else really does help our own hearts too.
Yes, yes, yes! So very true. Some of the greatest blessings in life come from simply showing up for others and helping in whatever way we can. Kindness truly has a way of blessing both the giver and the receiver.
This post makes my heart happy. It seems like the world has forgotten how good it is to do good sometimes.
I love your reminder that service does not have to be grand to matter. The simple acts of listening, showing up, and caring can deeply enrich both lives.
I so agree. It always feels nice to serve others. I try and help out when I can. Always be kind.
A beautiful piece about connection and showing kindness to others. I’d be interested to know more about your 35 years doing the emotional support.
This is SO true! Helping others with no other intention than to make their life better is also good for our own souls.
I totally agree with you. Being able to serve others also gives something back to us. There’s a different kind of fulfillment that comes from helping others and knowing that what we do has a positive impact. It gives us a sense of purpose.
One of the major reasons I ghostwriter is I like to help people get their stories out to others. It’s very fulfilling.
I appreciated the reminder that giving our time or attention to someone can be rewarding in ways we don’t always expect. It doesn’t have to involve money or a huge commitment either, which makes the idea feel much more realistic. Sometimes a simple gesture really can make a difference.
I always prefer quiet acts of kindness over big achievements. Making time for people really changes my perspective on daily stress.
So true… the heart doesn’t diminish from giving to others. I remember a sage once said that when we give, both the giver and the receiver are blessed. Sadly, so many don’t trust the process or care enough to help others.
Such a beautiful reminder you share here. We bring a lot of joy into our own lives and others by showing kindness. I would love to hear more about your emotional support work
Ah, that is a story I should tell soon. It’s hard to go back into the AIDS epidemic..that was a tough time.
I always tell my kids there are three things people can donate: time, money, or items. My husband and I both donate a lot of our time, and we always end up getting so much out of the time we serve. We have both been Boy Scout leaders for almost a decade as our kids started through the ranks in Cubs and now Troop level. It’s amazing to watch these kids grow!
I love this and that you teach your kids the concept. And walk the talk!