Why do YOU help others?

SO has anyone watched that movie with Eddie Murphy called A Thousand Words? If not you really should! It is so cute and at the same time makes you really think about alot of things in life you may other wise leave untouched.Now i may start sounding a bit philosphical and if so i apologize but it really has me thinking!
  So have you ever watched a movie that really makes you want to go out and do random good deeds for people?Well this was one of those movies for me.So as i stood out on the balcony after watching it i thought about reasons i would want to do good deeds.You know the random collection of helping the community when you otherwise wouldnt.Well i think in my mind i was hoping that if i did enough good deeds that good things would then happen to me.Which oddly enough is also one reason why i strive to better my relationship with God and church,to have a better life.
  Isnt it funny how our minds work?My life isnt working so well,im having really bad luck.Hey i know i can go to church,start praying and i'll feel better about myself because i have something GOOD to belive in.Right?Not to say that God and church don't have some real base to making genuine better people because they really do! But in general alot of people including myself start going in order to be happier.That magic pill to lead you down the right path this time.How many times have you seen a cranky person coming out of a church?SEE!!! That is my point!
  Just like when you start feeling like your life cant get any worse,you go out to homeless shelters and abused women half way homes.In some deep corner of your mind you are using these peoples hardships to force you to appreciate your own life.I am guilty of this too so dont feel like im throwing stones.I will even admit to those moments of judgement when i feel really ugly and then get a self esteem boost when i see someone i find uglier.Sick isnt it?But you know what i dont think i am the only one who has done this.
  So whats the point of my rambling? Is it the reason you help others or seek God that matters or the FACT that you do it? I think whatever drives you to go out and help or to go out and seek ANYTHING that makes you strive to be a better happier person,is a great thing! Well unless you are really in need of mental help and o i dunno killing people or something is what makes you feel happier than no that is not a great thing.
  So in this holiday season when there is an overwhelming sense of "helpitude" (yes my own word i just made it up but you get the meaning) I love that people want to help others so much more during the holidays.I was in prison for 5 years and i can tell you when you feel at your lowest that is the one time of year that it is in the forefront of your mind.Not having your family there or even someone to smile adn eat stuffing with.Or a tree to look at no matter how small.Or a present to open if its just Little Debbie.In this holiday season i say lets all strive to be happier better people for whatever the reason.Because trust and believe as much as seeing people at rock bottom helps you to appreciate your life and feel better, Bringing those people smiles and friendship helps them soo much more.