"Pay It Forward"

The movie Pay It Forward was recently shown on television, and I was glad for the opportunity to see it again, as I like that movie -- and its premise -- very much.

In case you've never seen it, or read the book, the story begins with a middle school teacher giving his social studies class an assignment: come up with an idea that can change the world. One boy, the "hero" of the story, creates an idea that truly fulfills the assignment, and which he puts into action. He describes his idea as follows: when someone does you a favor or helps you out in some way, then you must "pay it forward" by helping three other people. Those people must each in turn help three more people, and so the wave of kindness and good-will increases exponentially.

I won't reveal any more of the story, but what a wonderful idea!

Another version of "pay it forward" happens in those villages in poor areas of the world where Heifer International brings assistance in the form of farm animals -- cows, sheep, goats, chickens, or the like -- along with agricultural training. When better circumstances come to a family because of their new animal, that family is expected to "pass on the gift" by giving one of their animal's offspring to another family. This is often done with much ceremony and celebration, and prosperity gradually increases throughout the village.

Finally, I also saw a brief note in a magazine from a woman who enjoys passing out small envelopes to people she meets or sees on the street. Inside is a dollar bill and a note: If you need the dollar, keep it. If you don't feel you need it, pass it along to someone else, perhaps adding more money to the envelope before sending it on its way.

All good ideas, ways of action to bring a bit more kindness, prosperity and well-being into the world. What kindness, small or large, can you add to your world today?