A More Wonderful World

Summer is a time to relax and play! Whether we’re visiting a far-off place, heading out to the lake, or just spending some time in our own back yard, summer affords us the time to pause and be grateful for this wonderful world we live in.

Time to Appreciate What We Have

The beauty of the world can be found in the warmth of a sunbeam, the reflection of the water, the peaks of a mountain or the endless blue sky. It can also be found in our connections with one another. The smile on a friend’s face, sitting down to lunch with a homeless person, or donating resources to a child who does not have the opportunity of an education. The beauty of these interactions comes not only from the good feeling we receive, but even more so from the joy that we give.

Most of us probably wouldn’t consider ourselves financially rich, but did you know that if we have $100 in our bank account, we are among the wealthiest people in the world?

We Canadians are fortunate to live in a part of the world where many of us have all our needs met. Even many of our wants are taken care of. We live in a society that thrives on faster, bigger and better. I worry that perhaps, we have become accustomed to taking all we have for granted.

Time to See Those in Need

During this summer, I urge you to take some moments to look around and really see those in need living in your community or in the places you are visiting. The homeless, the addicts, those struggling with mental illness. Watch the news from around the world and appreciate the people beyond the headlines: families living in extreme poverty, people contending with conflict, hunger, and disease. Instead of looking away, look within and make a choice to help.

When I witness acts of generosity or see the smile of someone I have helped, the famous words of Louis Armstrong’s song come to mind, “And I think to myself, what a wonderful world.”

Time to Give

And yet, imagine how much more wonderful our world would be if every person chose to do one simple act of generosity every day? Giving someone a compliment, holding the door open, or paying forward a kindness? Maybe we give of our skills, helping someone with their resume, or mowing the lawn for our elderly neighbours? Maybe we skip dinner out and donate that money to the local homeless shelter? Or set an extra place at our own table for someone we know is struggling? Maybe we just lend an ear or a shoulder to lean on.

Choose Generosity

No matter where we are in life, we all have something to give. We just need to look for opportunities and make the choice to be generous. At Abundance Canada, we imagine a world where everyone lives generously. Not only from our abundance, but sharing talents, time, and helping others in need. When we choose to give, we start a ripple of generosity that stretches beyond our original kindness.

Generosity begins with open eyes and open hearts. This summer let’s choose to look a little closer at the world around us and give a little bit more to help others each day. Together, we can make a big difference to this wonderful world we all share.

No matter where we are in life, we all have something to give. We just need to look for opportunities and make the choice to be generous.