Doji Grovesai

Karma, baby

A long time ago, back when I was younger, I only performed service or other charitable acts because it was expected of me. Later, around 18 and 19, I did it because I wanted to, and that assisted in my choice to serve a mission. I actually liked serving, and wondered why more people didn't do it. Then, when I came home and regular life took its regular hold, I remembered why: it's just too tiring. It takes a lot out of you to give whatever is required at work and at school,and then turn around and give the rest to somebody else. But, despite my inherent laziness and odd schedules, I still found little things here and there to do. And I still got that warm fuzzy feeling from doing it. I finally know why you get that feeling.

It's not just a mental thing trying to rationalize why you gave precious time and effort to somebody else. Part of it is a sense of accomplishment, I guess. We did something nice, and it was (hopefully) appreciated. So we feel good that one person can make a difference, at least to one other person for one period of time. I think another part of it is that you can actually feel karma building up.

This Christmas season was not the first that I was not living with my parents. It was not the first that I didn't have much money. But it was the first where I was married (and my wife pregnant for that matter), being poor and not able to totally support both of us, and really needing to figure out how to make it better. Enter Karma. A youth group from church brought a ton of food (and the only person who knew about the situation knew that we didn't need anything), and I've received tons of help from family and co-workers. Mainly in the form of food (but anybody that knows me knows that food is like gold). I've never recieved charity before, and I got that same warm fuzzy feeling. And whether my own mind/heart, the voices in my head, or the Holy Spirit, I had the distinct impression: "that's Karma, baby."

The point: "be excellent to each other" (to quote "Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure"). Being on the receiving end of Karma can be good, too (if you've provided the requisite goodness). Be nice to people and help out. Even if they don't thank you (or show gratitude at all, for that matter), you'll get yours later. And it will be just as rad.