Kanaka Thinking: Doing Good

O ka pono ke hana 'ia a iho mai na lani. Pukui 2437 Continue to do good until the heavens come down to you. Blessings come to those who persist in doing good. There seems to be a big difference between doing good and doing well. Often times, we emphasize doing well which relates to personal performance or achievement of a particular goal. However to do good means to do things that may benefit others. In these days of skepticism, negativism, and selfcenteredism, we have lost the willingness to reach out and touch others with a kind word, look, or deed. Ghosts torment our minds..."Wonder if they are going to rip me off?" "What is the real ulterior motive?" What do They have to gain?" "What can I gain?" The unfortunate thing is that we teach our children to be anxious about life: "Don't do that, the policeman will scold you." "Don't....No....Watch out for strangers....Beware, beware, beware." Granted that some of these warnings are necessary because of the condition of our society however, we are teaching our children to approach others from a negative point of view. We need more people doing good. We need more people exuding good will. And it all begins at home.