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Do you have a good values-based story to tell? It doesn’t have to be perfect to make a difference in someone else’s life.
Share A Story NowHave you ever had a day when everything seemed to go wrong, and nothing seemed to go right? Not too long ago I was having one of those days. I was discouraged, weary, and plain sad. My focus was on me, me, me. After all, no one else was experiencing the same trials I was.
I expressed my downcast state to my mother, hoping for some pity. Instead, she said, "I heard Jamie was having a difficult day too. Why don't you make her some cookies and we'll take them to her this afternoon?"
I didn't really want to, but decided that I didn't want to go back to my other problems just yet. I made the cookies and arranged them on a little plate. Then I made a card with a sunflower on it and wrote a small note of empathy.
That afternoon we dropped by my friend's house. I went to the door and rang the bell. Soon, Jamie came to the door and looked at me in surprise for the unexpected visit. Before she could say anything I rushed, "I heard you were having a hard day and decided to bring you something. I hope your day goes better." The look that came over Jamie's face was one that I could never put into words. It was as if a darkened sky was suddenly lit with the golden rays of the sun; it was as if in that small act, her day was brightened.
I got back into the car and for some amazing reason, I felt a lot better myself. That day I experienced the truth that James Barrie attempted to describe. "Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others, cannot keep it from themselves."
Story was submitted anonymously
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Your Comments
That is really cute. Your mom is smart. :-) This is a really good reminder that usually the very best way to change our thoughts is through action. Great!
Posted over 4 years ago by from
This is so true! We all have days when it's hard to see the sunshine in our lives through life's storms - it is a blessing when we have someone to remind us that there is still some good in the world...if we are wise, we will become strong enough to hold on to the gift, even through the squall, and will help soneone else who is having trouble seeing through those "endless" clouds.
Posted over 4 years ago by Lily I. from Ohio, USA
Touching, comforting. Thanks for sharing this.
Posted over 4 years ago by Jossy A. from Lagos, Nigeria
That is so true and honest; it's just what i experience when am totally sad and upset but all that people see is me smiling. Giving is much greater then taking.
Posted over 4 years ago by Amal from Kuwait
This story brought tears to my eyes. It brightened up my day.
Posted almost 5 years ago by Claire A from Ireland
What a touching story. You never lose by being good to others. It has inspired me a lot. Thanks.
Posted almost 5 years ago by Suzgo A. from Blackburn, United Kingdom
I was shined sunshine on a rainy day by this great passage
Posted about 5 years ago by Lee Chewsun from China
That's so true & so great!!!
Posted about 5 years ago by MushiraH from Bangladesh
this a good pick me up to know that good deeds do pay off somewhere down the line. Even if you don't receive something physically, you will get paid back some other way.
Posted about 5 years ago by Jeff Redd from Texas