Words to live by...

There's a small church just down the road from me that displays a different inspirational quote every week. I've been driving by this church since I was in high school. Over the years, I've really come to appreciate its concise, yet profound counsel. I don't know who comes up with each saying, but this one has been permanently etched in my mind since seeing it several weeks ago...

"The smallest good deed is GREATER than the grandest intention."

I feel like lately I haven't been able to give as much as I'd like to. I've always strived to be a "giver" rather than a "taker". It's hard for me to ask for help, even when people are offering. Maybe it's because I'm the oldest child, the "responsible one", the caregiver. But lately, I feel like I am the one being taken care of. I'm grateful for the good deeds, large and small, that others have graciously done for us without even being asked. It really means so much to me. It's my hope that someday I will be able to "pay it forward" on some scale, but until then, I hope that small acts of kindness on my part will help to show my gratitude and love for those around me.