Publicizing acts of kind gestures

While job hunting here in Nigeria, I got to realize a different phase of politics. True, politicians hardly do anything for the sake of it. Most good deeds by politicians are done so they could probably benefit from the act in later times or probably because they want to get the seeker out of their sleeves. A friend of mine disclosed how she was offered an appointment with a reputable government organization, and one of the major requirements was that she would snap her appointment with her dad, who happened to be a prominent cleric in Kwara State, also attributing the success of the appointment to the efforts of the politician and the party. That was as absurd as it was ridiculous to my hearing. Well, you may want to excuse them for being politicians, desiring as much publication and gratifications.

Now, come to think of it, what is gratitude? Even the Holy Book wrote about the ten lepers healed by Jesus, and only one came to give thanks. For the Christians among us, we know how it ended; the only man that came to show appreciation had his healing "whole." This can be read about HERE. Well, the heart of man unconsciously keeps a tab on those we have been kind to, not necessarily because we want to be appreciated but as a form of self-appreciation, which to me is not bad at all. Ever heard of the anonymous donations? We have those kinds of acts that come in for people who are in need, and oftentimes, such may be significant and huge donations.

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The thought of recognition is a human nature that we often have to constantly fight to subdue. We are often carried away by the euphoria of gratification by others through recognition of acts of kindness. We usually want people to know how much we were instrumental to the successes of others, just like my friend in the opening paragraph. Many times, we have lacked the capacity to do good, but because we want to be counted among those who made tangible contributions, we are compelled to inconvenience ourselves in the act of giving. This consciousness to me is unnecessary and only a tactic of the mind being played on us.

Giving and kindness should emanate freely from us, such that it becomes spontaneous and a habit that we grow into. I would say that the act of giving can be viewed from the perspective of little children. Children are sweet when showing kindness, and they do this without expecting anything back. In fact, children are very willing to give, especially when they notice someone is in need—an adult or even their age group. We are often not compelled to do acts of kindness or give when we have matured in the art of giving.

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I have had the privilege of participating in some kind gestures where I was required to get pictorial evidence. Even though the recipients were overjoyed by the kind gestures, they did not mind having their pictures put on social media. You may not blame the organizers that much; sometimes they require evidence to show that such kind gestures were actually carried out, and maybe it could attract more philanthropic gestures.

The intent behind the recognition of kind gestures thus remains vital, for self gratification or to further spread the gospel to those that can give more as philanthropic gestures.

Thank you for reading. I would love to have your comments and contributions.