Your generosity has made my life better, thx.

Today I was blessed to participate in a class where the instructor taught the value of service.  He began by asking, “What have you done recently to help someone?”  This brought self-reflection and stories which were shared by those attending.  Certainly, we as people are engaged in providing a lot of good deeds; it is obvious.  The question may be whether we are doing all we can or if we fully understand why we serve.

Christians find in the New Testament: Luke 9:24, “For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.”  In these words, Christ suggests that unless we lose ourselves in service, there is not much purpose in our lives.  Individuals living solely for their own self-interest will never experience all life has to offer.  People, who elect to serve, will develop and bloom; they will have unfathomable inner joy.

In the Hymn “Have I Done Any Good?” the lyrics say:

Have I done any good in the world today?

Have I helped anyone in need?

Have I cheered up the sad and made someone feel glad?

If not, I have failed indeed.

Truly, our lending a hand in a time of need, whether a simple smile or a live long venture, will bring us deep inner satisfaction.  When we are down or feeling alone, extending ourselves in the service of others cures our ills.  Inner feelings of discouragement or whatever may get us down are immediately erased by merely giving our all.  As we give, loads are lightened, friendships built, lessons learned, skills enhanced, and love felt.

It doesn’t have to be anything other than simple things.  In your quiet times, when your mind drifts to thinking of someone, it isn’t by chance.  This friend on your mind needs you in their life.  While these thoughts are often dismissed as fleeting reflections, they are not.  If you default to feeling that they don’t need us, they do.

Follow your heart, whether the impression is toward a perfect stranger or your life partner.  Our sensitivity to the spirit guiding us will open doors of understanding.  We then are free; we know what we are here on earth for.  We awaken each day with a thirst for life.

Lastly, perhaps the most important; don’t ever take away another’s opportunity to serve.  We will not always be on the giving end of service.  Life presents moments where being the recipient is just as necessary.  For some, this may be hard, seeming nearly impossible; it isn’t.  Receive with the same joy you give. Your burdens will fade, and you will be a better servant when you are back on top.

Give, receive, and live!

Jaren

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3 Responses to Your generosity has made my life better, thx.

  1. Cyndy Shelton says:

    Thanks for reminding me of this! Sometimes it’s the simplest act of kindness that can help another!

  2. ekeespinoza says:

    “Life presents moments where being the recipient is just as necessary.” This is so true.

  3. Dolly Garlo says:

    Beautiful post, Jaren. For it is in giving that we receive is SO true. Just like night follows the day, only sometimes not as obvious. For me, becoming richer in good feelings and a true sense of self-satisfaction for something I contributed, is an important measurement of true wealth. Thanks for your observations here.
    Cheers, Dolly

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