Tonight as I sat working on my computer, actually working on posts for this site, there was a sudden knock at my door. I glanced down at my watch, 5:15pm; I began to wonder who could be at my door, especially when it's already so dark out and right around dinner time. It's also probably important to mention that NO ONE ever comes to my door, daytime, nighttime, I'm pretty sure my door has remained un-knocked and my door bell is probably a bit lonely from lack of human contact.
As I got up from my seat, I peered out the front door, from a distance and could see shadows moving around. Now, two thoughts ran through my mind, the first, it's probably Amazon with a drop off, the second, and a scary one, someone was about to break in my house and they were seeing if I was home. As I reached the door I quickly realized that it was neither of numbers one or two; it was three kids, looking cold in their home town adorned sweatshirts.
I opened the door slowly, peered out over the half second door that I have, "Can I help you guys?"
"We're trying to raise money to buy new bikes, could we rake your leaves?" He looked up at me, eagerly awaiting my answer.
"Sure guys! Tonight's probably not the time to do it though."
"Sorry, we mean tomorrow," The taller of the three boys chimed in.
We ensued in a short conversation; they asked me if I wanted to set a price tonight or if I'd rather do it tomorrow when they finish. I asked them what they're thinking as I'd rather know what I'm getting myself into tonight, also knowing that I'd have to stop by the cash station tomorrow as I have no cash on me. We agreed to a price of $30 since there was three of them who would be doing the job. With that said and done, the boys walked away and I closed the door.
Now, I could have easisly said, "No, that's ok," and left them completely dissapointed and dejected. I also could have said No as I already have a lawn service who takes care of the leaves and lawn for me on a weekly basis. But I chose kindness; I chose to say, "Yes." In a world where people live with conditions such as Depression, Mental Illness, and Constant Dissapointment, it's easy to say No, it's easy to not get involved with others, and the truth of the matter is that life would go on regardless. The way I look at situations such as this is that I get the privedge, every day, to make an impact on others' lives; whether it's a positive or negative impact, I get to choose, we all do.
I'm excited for the mounds of leaves to be raked tomorrow. I'm excited to be able to see my front lawn again. More importantly, I'm overjoyed that I had the unique opportunity to make a positive impact on three boys lives, to help them hit their goals of buying new bikes.
In a world where it's so easy, so common to say NO, think differently today; say YES. The difference you make in the world and others' lives today will create positive ways in the universe for days, weeks, months, and years to come!
Nick C.
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