Not Looking For Thanks!

What does it mean to do a good deed? Most of us think we do good deeds but that's usually far from the truth. Sometimes it's not even close! We pride ourselves in telling whoever will listen that we just did this or that for somebody or a group of people. Feeling quite smug on the inside. There are even those who do seemingly 'good deeds' grumbling all the way, if not with their mouths, in their hearts.

We live in a world where brotherly love and genuine human compassion are quickly fading and taking a back seat to selfish desires like self-promotion, making fake impressions, love of money, fame and lust. If we go out of our way to do something we expect to be rewarded for that 'good' sentiment-and fast! After all, our time is money. We seek recognition whenever and wherever we can get it. If not it had better be tax deductible.

In a world where the idol of 'Me-Myself-&-I' reigns supreme, what we have forgotten is that doing a good deed does not require any form of reward whatsoever. Not even the highly coveted 'Thanks'! In fact, the very best good deeds are done in secret. It's something as little as placing a $5 bill in a homeless person's hand and walking away. Or it's something as big as sending (if you are rich) a million dollars to a reputable orphanage or charity of your choice in an envelope marked 'anonymous'. For you, the knowledge that you helped influence someone's life is enough. And you genuinely feel blessed that you were able to bless another. And the fact that you didn't even get a 'thanks' in return doesn't even enter your mind, gnawing away at the warm feeling that is supposed to follow, leaving regret behind.

So as you 'do-gooders' (no offense meant) go through your days, I hope that you will remember these words:
A true good deed is best done in secret.
A true good deed requires no 'Thanks'.
A true good deed does not require validation by friends.
A true good deed doesn't need a camera present.
A true good deed is not tax deductible.
A true good deed does not need an award ceremony.
A true good deed doesn't give you fame.
A true good deed doesn't increase your sales.
A true good deed leads to another.
A true good deed is done willingly-no regret or frown follows.

In short, do good, love it and absolutely expect nothing in return.