So, I’m in the checkout at Lowe’s with a bag of bird feed. I had recently installed a new bird feeder in our backyard. The clerk said to me, “Oh, you’re going to feed the birds?”
“Yep,” I said. “Somebody’s gotta feed the birds.” She thanked me.
I thought about this on the drive home. Why would someone thank me for feeding the birds? I didn’t do it for thanks; birds do not send thank-you notes or even give a nod when they’re eating. They’re too busy pecking and scattering the seeds when they eat. Birds are really messy eaters.
Back to my question: Why would someone thank me for this? Are random acts of thoughtfulness so rare these days that people are surprised when the encounter one? For me, this is simply doing something that I feel should be done. There is no gain potential for me to feed the birds. In fact, it costs me $11 for a bag of feed. I get no thanks and don’t expect any. I do it because it just feels right. Ah, that’s the payoff—a good feeling.
Feeding the birds has become a metaphor for the things I do in life that have no personal gain potential for me. As a Patriot Guard Rider, I attend strangers’ funerals to honor their military service. Why? Because somebody’s gotta do it. I bend over and pick up a piece of trash on the golf course. Why? Because somebody’s gotta do it. I let another driver turn in front of me. Why? Because somebody’s gotta do it. It is rewarding to live by this philosophy. Someone’s gotta feed the birds.
Every day, life presents me with opportunities to feed the birds. I discovered that all I have to do is be open to these opportunities.
Copyright 2021 Tom Reilly Blog
This comment is heartwarming Tom. We were brought up with this great outlook on life and good values. You did things because it was the right thing and it was kind. I pray more parents pass on this character trait.
Thanks, Debbie.