As we noted last week, If the hand that gives gathers, then the hand that gives more should gather more. Even if by accident.
Before posting last week’s blog, I created a fundraising page on Facebook to raise money for Ryan’s Quest and the fight to find a cure for DMD. I wanted to be the first to make a donation so I typed in a generous amount and clicked the blue DONATE button. When I returned to my computer moments later, it appeared that I may not have done it correctly…
I had never created a fundraising page before. So I clicked the blue DONATE button again. It was then I realized I made two (2) generous donations. My immediate response was “Oh (Shoot)” as I wondered how I might recall or rescind the second donation. Then… I realized that despite the financial impacts of two sons in college (undergrad and grad school) and disposable income in limited supply, I had given to a good cause and trusted “karma” would work its magic, compounding the goodness.
Later that day, with a lifelong friend and his family visiting us in Vermont, my wife and I took them to “Kingdom Trails” for an afternoon of mountain biking with Noble Fox Adventures. We were only there to make the introductions and “get the wheels turning,” then we were headed elsewhere. My friend convinced us to join them and share the adventure, renting us bikes, and helmets, and even buying us lunch. We shared and enjoyed an incredible day at no cost. We had given generously and gathered twofold.
For years, I’ve told my children, friends, colleagues, and players that life is hard enough by itself. Putting some good into the world makes the world a better place, and whether we see the direct impact or not, we’re better for having made the effort. I don’t give with the intent to gather… It’s not a transactional pursuit. I’m simply amazed by how often giving of one’s time, talent, and treasure, finds a way to bring gratitude and happiness to the giver. I’d love to hear how doing good for others has brought appreciation and happiness into your lives.
Coach Rich Alercio is available to discuss coaching philosophy, X’s & O’s, or teach his O-Line “techniques in the trenches.” Contact Coach at richalercio@gmail.com and share http://www.olineskills.com with your colleagues and friends. Thanks for supporting this blog and joining our conversations, and as always, thanks for your time!
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