Pass it on!

“Have you had a kindness shown? Pass it on;

'twas not given for thee alone, pass it on;

Let it travel down the years, let it wipe another's tears,

till in heaven the deed appears, pass it on.”

Henry Burton (English clergyman 1840-1930)

Goodness expands, multiplies, as we share it.  Goodness is funny that way.  Things, physical things, diminish as we share them -- only so many pieces of blueberry pie, and then it's gone.

But goodness isn't a thing, it's an attitude; it comes from an infinite source -- like a freshwater spring that never runs dry.  We aren't depleted by passing along our cheer, our goodwill, our warm approval of things beautiful.

And maybe, as Reverend Burton says, it's a duty.  Whatever kindness has been shown you, in the broader scheme of things, wasn't intended just for you.  Lest it shrivel for want of light and joy, pass it on!  You'll feel happier for having participated.

Beauty as a kindness.