“An effort made for the happiness of others lifts above ourselves.” Lydia M. Child

Today was perhaps one of the best field trips of all.  A service project in which children from our homeschool group came together to make fleece blankets to donate to organizations where sick or newborn children need an extra bit of care or just something special to hold onto.

“For happiness brings happiness,
and loving ways bring love,
And giving is the treasure
that contentment is made of.”  Amanda Bradley

“A child’s kiss set on thy singing lips shall make thee glad:
A poor child served by thee shall make thee rich;
A sick child helped by thee shall make thee strong;
Thou shalt be served thyself by every sense of service which thou renderest.”  Elizabeth Barrett Browning

“Sow good services;

sweet remembrances will grow from them.”  Mme. de Stael

“If I can stop one heart from breaking,
I shall not live in vain:

If I can ease one life the aching,
Or cool one pain,

Or help one fainting robin
Unto his nest again,
I shall not live in vain.”  Emily Dickinson

“Service is what life is all about.”  Marian Wright Edelman

“If someone listens, or stretches out a hand, or whispers a kind word of encouragement, or attempts to understand a lonely person, extraordinary things begin to happen.”  Loretta Girzartis

“Compassion is the little light
Whose gleam goes dancing through the night,
And only the cold and hungry men
Know how it quickens hope again.”  Aline Michaelis

“After the verb ‘To Love,’ ‘To Help’ is the most beautiful verb in the world.” Bertha Von Suttner

“As the purse is emptied, the heart is filled.”  Victor Hugo

“He gives double who gives unasked.”  Arabian proverb

“Caddie Woodlawn…laid a silver dollar on the counter.”

“I want to spend it all, Mr. Adams,” she said, “so you’ll have to tell me when I’ve used it up.  I want some hoarhound and peppermint and some pink wintergreens, and then I want three tops in different colors with good strong strings, and will you please tell me how much that is, because if there’s anything left I want to get some more things?”

“The little Hankinsons looked on in amazement.  The black mood of despair which had enveloped them all day had turned into wonder, and now wonder was rapidly giving way to incredulous delight.  Candy!  Tops!  No one had ever bought such things for them before.”

“Well, young lady,” said Mr. Adams with an amused twinkle in his eye, “now your dollar’s gone, and you didn’t get a thing out of it for yourself.”

“Oh, yes, I did, Mr. Adams!”

(Conversation between Caddie Woodlawn and Mr. Adams from Caddie Woodlawn by Carol Ryrie Brink, Newberry Medal winner.)

Is there anything better than giving?

Good night.
Lynn