Good Intentions

"The smallest deed is better than the greatest intention." -John Burroughs

I knew there was something special about today, May 31. The thought was itching the back of my brain so I had to check the internet. My suspicion confirmed, today in 1854 the Kansas-Nebraska Act was passed by the U.S. Congress. How would I know about such a thing? Only because I grew up in Nebraska and we were taught this little bit of history in high school.

I guess it stuck with me because I was a small town farm boy seeing how huge Nebraska (albeit a territory prior to statehood) was at one time. It also stuck with me how the good intentions of people can get exploited. It caused the violence which erupted in Kansas, was the seed that created the Republican Party and firmly placed the United States on a path to the Civil War.

The best intentions of a few can have such a grand effect upon the lives of millions. Violence and war were not the intended outcomes, but that is what happened. Historians will forever debate those actions, the war and the results of all that occurred so long ago. We, the ones that live in the aftermath of history, must learn from those good intentions.

Intended for Today or Tomorrow

Maybe it is human nature, the way we are wired inside. So many times we hear that we must "learn from history and not repeat the mistakes." We say these things while also declaring that we must provide a better, a greater world for future generations. But many times our actions are for the short-term, for the present and for self.

Are our good intentions for a better future for everyone real? Do we really want to change things for the better? Or are we shouting loudly these good intentions simply to line our own pockets of today? I see quite a bit of latter happening. You read about it in the news daily. It comes from people of all political and religious affiliations.

Small Deeds

We can do great things if we turn those good intentions into good acts. If we truly want to change the future not only for ourselves but for others, we need to think outward, not inward. We need to truly make big and mostly small changes in the way we do things. If we truly want a better future, it is time we start turning our words into deeds. Actions will do more than words on a paper or in a blog, my own blog included.

Do good things in life, create small deeds, perform small random acts of kindness and create a greater world. We can stand up and make terrific speeches regarding good intentions. The people will cheer and clap in rallying support. But if we each act upon one, two, or many of these intentions, that is where success will truly emerge. That is where intention dissolves into real greatness.

A small town farm boy sees a map from 1854 that stays with him throughout life. It gives him the desire to help people in small ways later in life. A young woman attends a parenting class early in life. It gives her the desire to teach other parents how to be great parents. All of us can be inspired by the smallest of things, by the smallest of intentions, which turn into great deeds.

Stay inspired my friends.