From an unexpected good deed that inspires one to pay it forward, to spreading goodwill to others, this is a special time for receiving and giving. In the spirit of the season, readers share some uplifting thoughts.

Hugging out ‘pay it forward’ moment

On Dec. 11, I lost my wallet at Waipio Costco. It had no ID — just $45, some change and a few sugar packets.

I hadn’t bought anything; I only went in to grind coffee and get some boxes because I am moving.

When I got to Longs Drugs half an hour later, I realized I didn’t have my wallet. I stopped by Costco since it was the only place I had been.

Sure enough, someone had turned it in. It would have been easy to justify keeping it since there was no ID.

I immediately drove to Don Quijote in Waipahu and told Liz, the bell ringer of the Salvation Army Red Kettle, my good fortune. As I dropped the $45 in to pay it forward, she asked if we could hug, and said it gave her chicken skin and made her day. Me, too!

Leslie Graham

Makakilo

Pauahi Bishop’s profound legacy

Because of the foresight of Princess Pauahi Bishop, I was afforded a quality education at a rate my mother, a single parent, could afford. With an excellent secondary education, and because I went back to school when I was old enough to be considered an independent, I qualified for government monies, which paid for my associate’s degree.

I continued on at University of Hawaii-Manoa, and with the government and Pauahi’s help, I was able to finish with my bachelor’s degree, and then my master’s. My children also benefit from Pauahi’s legacy. My daughter, who has special needs, has a special scholarship to Assets School where she is thriving. My son, gets to go to preschool at a rate that our small family can afford.

I am grateful for these blessings, which translate into being able to manage and get by in our expensive island home.

Sarah C. L. Afong

Kapolei

Open heart, for others and yourself

As I look forward to new beginnings for as many years ahead, I am reminded of the many small miracles, which surrounded me when I needed them the most. I am thankful for my family and friends who have shown love and support during the many challenges in my life.

Let us all share love, joy and kindness to every one we meet each day. Open your heart to touch someone’s life which in turn, will open yours as well.

Carol Ann Alina

Pauoa Valley

Holiday lights spark ties that bind

Bringing out the Christmas lights? This seasonal decorating is one of my favorite pastimes.

While testing for burnt-out strings, I paused to give thought to how these lights came to be in my hands, ready to become a part of my family’s holiday cheer. Moving through a manufacturing process, being packed into boxes, shipped across the oceans, stocked on the shelves. How thankful I feel to every person along the way. They enable a display of celebration for all of us who can enjoy the warmth and light of their work.

So often, other people seem more like obstacles than fellow humans to be appreciated. Others stand in line in front of us and take up our time as we wait for them to fumble through paying. Others take our parking spot. Others get the recognition we wanted at work or school. In short, other people can be seen through the lens of being in our way, causing life to be difficult.

But it is also easy to pause and recognize how we are all in this life together, entwined more closely than ever with people around the globe. It is not hard to understand that none of us stands alone. Most everything we use, everything we eat, everything that makes life wonderful include contributions and efforts of others.

We can choose how to spend our thoughts and energy. We can choose thoughts of gratitude and connection. These positive thoughts make our days easier, brighter and bring a happier way to live.

Jane Chu

Hawaii Kai

Peace, gratitude for what we have

In the hustle-bustle and humdrum of everyday life, it is easy to forget, or take for granted, the people in our lives who should mean most to us.

These are family members, friends, colleagues, co-workers, groups, institutions and others who are always there to support us, especially in times of crisis. They are the human bridges connecting us to the outside world, full of kindness and sympathy in helping us to secure the things and resources we need to survive.

At a time when the values of the “Me Generation” have become central to many, the holidays should be a time for self-renewal and commitment to the betterment of the human condition, as trite as that may sound.

Unfortunately, there are too many wars, too much violence even in sacred places, and for many people, every day is a struggle with bitterness and rancor. Many parts of the world have been crushed by bombs, hunger, poverty and other violence.

Let us, then, understand this season in all its possible meanings, with peace and gratitude.

Belinda A. Aquino

Moiliili