To be a Joyful Helper is one thing I can learn from my father. He was always there for us kids when we were growing up and enabled us a wonderful childhood and youth in the Black Forest.
But more then that, he was also always helping out when there was need in the neighborhood, at the sports club, for his friends, helping our mother with her church activities, …
Thinking about this now he did the helping always with joy. Didn’t want recognition or anything beyond a “Thank you”. He often came home totally exhausted saying: “Jetzt bin ich aber geschafft” (I am really exhausted now”) and he was glowing because he was happy having helped out, done something good.
He may have not even realized it, but he lived it that helping in itself is bringing great joy.
Bonus link:
Anonymous acts of kindness
John Perry Barlow about Happiness
P.S. The pictures show my parents with their three grandkids: Melanie, Rebecca and Tanja at my brother’s wedding / my fathers 70th birthday last year.