If you do something kind, selfless, or generous, and encourage people to do the same it will be reciprocated back to you.
However, I think there is a hesitancy to pay it forward because we can never know if we actually will be payed forward ourselves. How sad, because that puts us at the center of our own good deed. Why should I pay it forward if nobody will pay it forward to me? That eliminates the entire idea itself - to just do good, because it is the right thing to do.
In my life I have asked for and needed a lot of help. I've needed others to pay it forward to me. For example, this whole trip is dependent upon others helping me financially, through prayer, and just supporting me in general. But how can I expect or hope for others to give to me if I myself am unwilling to give.
Since finishing college, this is an idea that I have committed myself and my mind to. Each day provides opportunity, from big to small, to pay it forward to someone else. Whether it is simple kindness in the way you interact with them, lending money to those who need it, or offering to serve in a way with no expectation of return or reward. And knowing I've chosen to go about my day with this in mind, my eyes have become even more open to chances to do so. And even if I don't see such actions reciprocated in the near future, I know what I've done has made a positive impact on others which is good enough for me.
As the fundraising process has gone on, I've already seen some amazing instances of others paying it forward to me. Sharing in excitement, dreams and encouragement with friends and family as I tell them of my new adventure has been a special aspect of the pre-Israel part. But I wanted to give a special shout out to 2 individuals in particular.
This past weekend I was at my Aunt's wedding in Minnesota. The morning after the ceremony at the hotel, I ended up sitting down at a random table and had a conversation with a Dr. Robert Bresler. He was actually standing in for his wife at the wedding (who was a friend of my aunt's but couldn't make it). So right off the bat, this was interesting because Mr. Bresler was not even supposed to be at the wedding. Simply through conversation and sharing about our lives, I was able to tell him about my Israel trip. He was very considerate and gave me attention throughout our time together. After we talked we said our goodbyes. I went back to my room and he had to leave to get back home. I later meet up with my grandma and she says "Zachary, you must have made quite an impression on Dr. Bresler because he gave me this." She hands me a check and said "Robert told me to tell you best of luck in your travels." WHAT?!?!? I was shocked and unprepared for his kindness and generosity. I had no words and my body filled with gratitude.
It is acts like that which give me strength, confidence, and belief in the goodness of others. And even more so, reminded me to keep paying it forward. Good deeds will be poppin' around everywhere if we can share in this mentality. Thank You Dr. Robert, you have made an impact on me that I will look to make a permanent part of my character.
I also wanted to thank Dennis Marceron! A friend of my mother's who I have never even met or talked to but believes in me and what I am doing enough to give some support. What a treat, and while the world would say that's an odd thing to do…I say thank you.
So friends, that's what was on my mind today and I wanted to share some uplifting words that you can ponder if you wish. If we are gunna make each other's worlds a better place, it starts with the actions we take towards one another.
God Bless. One Love. Stay Positive (:
