Benevolence:
Definition: well meaning and kindly; (of an organization) serving a charitable rather than a profit-making
purpose.
Synonyms:
charitable, kind, benign, benignant, kindly.
When I was growing up,
our church had a benevolent fund. The
plate was passed around, very casually, after the very somber communion
service. This is my first memory of the
word benevolent. It was just something that we took part of, as we cared for
those who came to the church, or used the church’s programs.
Growing up, my parents
were very benevolent: giving financially when they can, sharing what they did
have with those who didn’t have at all, and giving a supportive phone call to
those who needed to be cheered. I can
remember having couples, students, singles, and single moms with their children
over for a good Sunday dinner after church.
It was fun to learn about new cultures, new theologies, new theories,
new music over the afternoon- it was also good to be able to be kind to someone
who was new to the church, was visiting or even a missionary on furlough.
Being benevolent
started as a child for me. I was always
the kind hearted kid that got hurt emotionally for being too kind. I had a tendency to do good things for the
neighbours around: from keeping the lonely, older gentleman around the corner
company as he walked my part of the block, to sharing our (my sister and I) artwork
and to finally being able to supply the neighbourhood with Girl Guide cookies.
In my teen years, I
would volunteer my time in the summer to a horseback riding school for the
physically and mentally challenged. I
would volunteer my Friday after school hours to both the adult and youth
aquatic division of the Special Olympics.
I learned about diversity, self esteem, responsibility and love during
those many hours in the pool or in the barn.
I also had the pleasure of being a part of daily miracles- all because I
gave of my time.
In my adult years, I
have worked for non profits my entire working years. I have worked for charities, raised awareness
for the charities, and participated in many different fund raising adventures-
like sitting on the rooftop of a homeless shelter, in -15 weather, in a tent in
the middle of December! (With 2 of my favorite people who have touched my life)
This has shaped
me. I am a person that seeks to find the
love of mankind, which in turns brings my desire to promote others’ happiness.
To bring a smile to someone else’s day
brightens mine.
To make someone laugh
causes my laughter to be jollier.
To give away my last
dollar in order for someone to afford something that they need makes my day.
Benevolence is more
than just giving money- it’s handing out smiles, hugging that co-worker who is
hurting, putting the dirty dishes where they belong, and perhaps spending time
with a shut-in. It is being kind, doing
good, being generous.
When we are
kind, it causes a chain reaction- Let’s be the first one in the chain today!
Beautiful Chrissy! I am all about acts of kindness and benevolence, an attitude of giving, gratitude for life! I remember reading Louise's blog about that roof-top adventure, I thought it was a wonderful way to draw attention to the homeless situation! I like where you are coming from and I suspect this blog will have lots of positive things to say... just my cup of tea, I'll be back for refills! :-)
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