Good deeds help build up treasures

As I pulled into the driveway, I caught a glimpse of my youngest child hurriedly moving back and forth on the outside deck. When I asked her what she was doing, she simply described that she was gathering acorns. As I reached the door, I was met by my other daughter who rapidly exited the house and at a full gallop, ran to her sister’s position. Although I never really considered gathering acorns to be a thing of excitement, the girls seemed to on this day.

Following settling in for the evening I found it odd that I hadn’t heard the girls in a bit, so I went outside to check up on them. Finding them scurrying around, as when I last saw them, I asked them if they were still gathering acorns and left it at that when my youngest said she was. Upon returning to the comfort of my couch, I had finally found the perfect positioning, where I would hopefully remain in comfort for at least a little while. As quickly as I had found my perfect spot, the door swung open and my youngest ran up to me.

“Come on Daddy, I have to show you something”, she bellowed, with a smile on her face, emitting excitement with every breath. As she reached out her little hand to grasp mine, I decided that her desire overtook my comfort, and I willingly came along, voicing my interest in what she had found. She described that she had done a good deed and wanted me to see it. As we walked outside, she led me to a large oak tree where at its base, she and her sister had compiled a rather large pile of acorns.

Upon seeing the stack of acorns my mind simply asked why while my mouth described to the girls that I though their pile of acorns was awesome. Riyann then began describing to me that all the squirrels had been working hard to prepare for winter. She explained that she decided to do a good deed and help put all the acorns in one location to make the job of gathering a winters store of acorns easier for her little friends. You see, she said, “I’m helping them build up treasure”.

As I watched the excitement in my daughters’ eyes, while they did their good deed, my heart felt a much greater comfort than the couch had provided me a few moments prior. I praised the children and considered the fact that many times, our good deeds may go unnoticed, and the squirrels may never find their treasure two little girls prepared for them. Regardless, the importance lies in the act itself, not so much on gaining recognition for your actions. For it is when we act out of kindness, striving to better the situation for others, building up their treasures, that our own are multiplied. May we all learn a lesson from this simple act of kindness and performing of a good deed. It is when we build up treasures for others that we truly experience the treasure of service unfolding.

The girls check the pile daily to see if their little furry friends partake in the offering laid before them. Thus far the pile hasn’t lessoned but I have no doubt that in the near future the squirrels will recognize the gift provided and enjoy a little comfort provided by two little ladies with really big hearts.

Richard J. Stephens lives in Carter County and is the father of three little ladies ranging in age from eight to 29.