Every act of kindness, generosity, and compassion is an investment.
All of the little things we do for other people add up.
But, they do not add up like credits in an account we can draw from later.
They add up for the other person.
Ideally, they make a positive impact on that person’s life in a way that will help them to do the same for others in the future.
By doing kind, generous, and loving things for others, we are investing in the kind of world we want to live in.
We are helping to create that world one moment, connection, or gesture at a time.
That is our payback.
That is our reward.
Through our good deeds, no matter how small, trivial, or insignificant they may seem, we are making the world a better place for ourselves, the people around us, and the people who come after us.
This may be all that we get in return for our efforts.
If we are expecting or hoping for more than this, if we are looking for praise, gratitude, or reciprocity, we will likely be disappointed.