Devon and Avery got married on a budget. Their ceremony was in a park and their reception was held in a community center. They enlisted friends to help with setup and running the show, and even though it was well planned, they were worried they had overlooked something. Usually, they were the ones who ran events for others. They did not have someone lined up to be in charge of their event. Fortunately, their friend Mason who’s only assigned tasks were to help decorate and walk Avery’s mother down the isle, saw the need for a master of ceremonies and simply started filling the role without being asked. He had always seemed like such a laidback type of guy who usually didn’t get involved in complicated tasks. Instead of his usual ways he totally stepped it up and ran everything from the announcements, to the toast, to the bouquet toss. Devon and Avery were grateful and amazed.
Devon and Avery never knew if Mason was simply having a good day and wanted to be helpful or if he was trying to pay them back for the two months they let him live with them after he lost his job. They did know they would be forever touched by all of the hard work Mason put into their wedding. The wedding would not have run as calmly or as smoothly without his help.
Mason could have kept his job simple and walked Avery’s mother down the isle as he was asked, then bailed. Instead he volunteered to help with setup, took it upon himself to figure out what needed to be done, and did it without being asked. When you see something needs to happen it is time to engage. It does not matter if the act is small or if you think you might not make a difference. Even a seemingly insignificant act to one can make a world of difference to another. Devon and Avery didn’t see Mason much after their wedding, but they always remembered his impact, and were always grateful for his effort. Take the opportunity to come to someone’s defense when they are being picked on, or to help a friend in their hour of need. Be present and engage in what is happening around you and not just in your own world. You may never know how much of an impact you make in someone’s life when you engage. You may turn their bad day into a good day. You might stop them from yelling at their children when they get home because you let them share your umbrella at the bus stop. Engaging with others should be a lifelong commitment to bettering society every time you have the opportunity.
Lift someone up with a little surprise. Pay for their coffee, give a small gift, show up and visit. Do something for someone else without them asking and see how it lifts both of you.