30 November

Some Good Today

by Jon Katz

Over the past few years, I’ve trained myself when I wake up in the night – which is every night – to think of some way to do some good. I’m not campaigning to be Mother Teresa or St. Francis, I have no desire to be a saint

This is a selfish process on my part, because doing good every day is addictive, obsessive, and healing. it is good for me. I have never felt happier, stronger, or more fulfilled. Doing good with the Army Of Good has grounded me, stabilized me, filled my life with meaning.

People ask me if I’ve changed in recent years, and of course, I have, everybody has. But it’s the small acts of kindness that have helped me to be sane or at least saner. Doing good is an addiction. Writing about it is a joy.

This morning we went to Jean’s for breakfast, and I brought a $200 check over to Robin. It’s for free meals to people in need over the Christmas season. Robin knows everybody in Hoosick Falls, N.Y.

It’s a town that has seen better times and she will know who needs to have the bill for their lunch or dinner picked up.

I’ve found a way to focus on Christmas in the middle of all the online shopping and discount mayhem. I’m not a Christian, but I like the idea of giving rather than receiving. St. Augustine said giving is what Christmas is all about.

They forgot to tell cable news.

2 Comments

  1. To my mind you are more christian than many that call themselves that. You have inspired to think every day about what good I can do. For this I thank you. I pray that you continue doing what you are doing.

  2. This is such an inspiration to me. I am going to adopt your goal as my own. I will try, in some small way, to do good every day.

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