Find the Good, Do Good, Be Good.
If you have not yet met, it is my honor to introduce you to “Theo of Golden” by Allen Levi. It’s a delightful read and the message is one of doing good, just for the sake of doing good for someone else and expecting nothing in return. It’s about seeing the positive in other people, as flawed as we all are, and focusing on and holding onto that which is good.
Another layer of love for this book is that the main character, Theo, was 86 years old and the town’s people respected and admired his wisdom, character, and integrity. The book transported my heart back to when I worked at the retirement community and I was blessed with 300 Theos. One of them always said, “You know all people are good, some just need a little more help than others.” Oh Marlin, you were so wise. It was a gift being in their presence and benefiting from their kindness and wisdom.
In my first book, “God is in the Odd…” I share about my father who was a man who did good for others without expecting anything in return. At his funeral, so many people shared how wonderful my father was and the many good deeds he did for them.
In the book “Super Communicators,” the author, Charles Duhigg, emphasizes the need to listen to and connect deeply with others. He declares it’s the most important thing in this life. I have found this to be true while interviewing people about their hobbies for my second book. Our conversations have been deeply meaningful, and I feel a close connection during our time together and afterward.
One such wonderful experience happened when I interviewed my friend Mark whose hobby is music, it’s his Love language and lifeline. Samesies! Music is the language of my soul; nothing improves my mood, energy, and attitude more than a song. A life with music is a good life, and one without it, I can’t fathom.
I gently ask of you this month, focus on the good – in others, in the situation, in doing good, and in being the good the world needs. I know they say good is the enemy of great, but you know what, sometimes good is all I got and, in those moments, good is good enough.
