The most valuable possession that everyone has is a heart. Whether you’re rich or poor and regardless of your heritage, we all have one and only one. Although, as we learn throughout life, some hearts are bigger than others. I question mine from time to time, especially since I’m now retired. I should be doing volunteer work rather than selfishly planning trip after trip. After all, I’m fortunate to have worked for a company with a pension plan that also encouraged me with matching funds to save additional money for the future. In the process, I did do my fair share of charitable donations, extensive board service to not-for-profits, and spent time collecting toys and even trash to help my community. In fact, I was in the business of community service, using my company’s resources to help those less fortunate. Now, I’m helplessly on my own, searching for a way to use my heart.

It’s overwhelming to consider all the different ways to help others. It’s always just been easy to just donate money, but I’m now officially living on a fixed budget. I don’t really have a passion or skill that is calling me into service. Some of my friends are into environmental causes or have lost close relatives to health risks. Or, do they just have a bigger heart than I do? I can think of a thousand reasons not to leave the comfort of my apartment home, but nothing seems to come to mind that makes me feel like I can truly make a difference. I’m starting to feel guilty about not pitching in despite my retirement freedom. I don’t even have babysitting responsibilities as a grandfather – just dog duty. There’s really no excuse!

I will continue to search my soul and my heart for a sign. I was raised to be a kind, helpful person but currently lack direction. As I think about it, Frank Sinatra is singing in my head:

Look With Your Heart

Andrew Lloyd Webber, Simon Lee

Love’s a curious thing
It often comes disguised
Look at love the wrong way
It goes un-recognized

So look with your heart
And not with your eyes
A heart understands
A heart never lies

Believe what it feels
And trust what it shows
The heart always knows

Love is not always beautiful
Not at the start

So open your arms
And close your eyes tight
And when it finds love
Your heart will be right

Learn from someone who knows
Make sure you don’t forget
Love you misunderstand
Is love that you’ll regret

Mother

And not with your eyes
The heart can’t be fooled
The heart is too wise

Forget what you think
Ignore what you hear
It always sees clear

Love is not always beautiful
Not at the start

But open your arms
And close your eyes tight
And when it finds love
Your heart will be right

Source: Musixmatch
Songwriters: Glenn Slater / Andrew Lloyd-Webber
Look With Your Heart lyrics © The Really Useful Group Ltd., THE REALLY USEFUL MUSIC CO LTD