If a Tree Falls...

Have you heard this question before... "If a tree falls in the forest and no one is around to here it, does it make a sound?"

Well, how about this one... "If you voluntarily do kind, helpful acts for someone and other people aren't around to see them, did the acts happen?"

I'm just curious as I've been struggling with this conundrum for a few days now. I have some people in my life who have become quite skilled at pointing out my many mistakes and failings, yet strain to acknowledge that I have also done many thoughtful and kind things for the people I care about and even some I didn't know.

Should it even matter whether anyone recognizes the ways in which I help others, save the recipients of such help. Can I simply be content in receiving a smile or "Thank you" from the recipient of my acts of kindness? And even if my actions are never acknowledged by anyone or they seem unappreciated, can I still find joy in knowing that in some way I may have helped to make another person's life a little better or easier, or that I offered a bit of hope, comfort, or encouragement to someone who needed it?

Hmmmm....


"and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly." Matthew 6:4