D. C. Donahue Books

As a young boy, the sacrifices I made seemed much bigger at the time than they do now. Activities like mowing lawns, shoveling snow, or helping neighbors with odd jobs felt significant. Then, as a teenager, my list of responsibilities expanded. It included things like buying my first guitar, getting my driver’s license, treating a friend to burgers and fries, or taking my girlfriend out to dinner and a movie. In all honesty, these expenses were not true sacrifices; they were more about self-indulgence. I might have also pitched in at a church function, worked at a summer camp, or taken on jobs to enhance my resume. In my own quiet way, I began to understand the concept of paying it forward.

As a married adult with children and grandchildren, and coming from a large family, the self-sacrifices that every parent makes throughout life are far too numerous to mention. This includes the obvious necessities: food, housing, clothing, education, and care during sickness and health. You know what I mean.

Living each day by paying it forward involves actions that could fill volumes. As someone very important in my life once said, “Do not let your right hand know what your left hand is doing.” I also resonate with the idea of not seeking recognition for your good deeds, like someone “banging a gong” to get attention. It’s important to engage in acts of service for others quietly, with humility and compassion.

You might consider volunteering at a food kitchen, offering support to family members in their times of need, donating to your local food pantry, or preparing meals for a charity outreach program. Alternatively, you could contribute financially to organizations that engage in physical outreach, such as the Red Cross, Food for the Poor, or the Salvation Army.

The world is filled with need due to war, disasters, and disparities based on place of origin, or even as close as our own homes. The point is, there are many opportunities to sacrifice money, time, effort, and educational skills. These skills can be used in a more meaningful way without the expectation of payment—this is often referred to as working pro bono.

The importance is to …Just Do It!