The 3G's: Continued - Giving

Giving -  As you begin to see the blessings in your life, it gets easier to give of yourself to others.  Giving as I see it in this situation is not simply making a monetary donation to a church or charity. Giving is putting yourself out for the benefit of another.  It is a way to express your care, concern and love for those around you.  I like the definition of love that I read once.

“I define love thus: The will to extend one's self for the purpose of nurturing one's own or another's spiritual growth.” ― M. Scott Peck, The Road Less Traveled: A New Psychology of Love, Traditional Values, and Spiritual Growth.

As I talk of Giving, it is this thought of love that comes to mind; extending one’s self for the growth of someone else.  This is a selfless act. Gratitude looks as self - Giving looks outside of self.  As you begin to see your life as one of abundance, you begin to share that with those around you.

Giving is sharing your time, talent and/or resources.  Even if you have little in the material things, you have time and talent.  You may be a good listener or a skilled craftsman that can help with a project. The ways you can give are too varied to list. Whatever you can do for someone else is a gift, regardless of how small it may feel to you.

As you give of yourself, you begin to focus on the health and well being of others.  You begin to lose the focus on self.  But as you see others needs, you are not looking to see them as better, more gifted or  richer than you.  You begin to strengthen your own self worth. You begin to see that you can make a difference in the world.  You are built up in the effort of building up others.

This past year in Houston, the community response to Hurricane Harvey was tremendous.  So many people were impacted through flooding and storm damage.  But the community stepped up to help.  Some donated time to help clean up the debris of homes gutted by flood waters while others donated clothing and furniture to help replace what was lost.  Store owners opened their doors to allow those who lost their homes to sleep and live for a time in a safe place.  The stories of giving are endless and the impact on the lives of those affected is priceless.

Take a moment to think of those around you and how you can give.  Is it through volunteering in your church? Do you have a neighbor who needs a ride to the store or just wants someone to share a cup of coffee?  Do you have a friend who needs a safe person to share confidences in as they struggle through life? Smile at the store clerk or the person working the window at the fast food drive through.  You never know what impact that may have on them.

Give of yourself and you will find strength and blessings will continue to abound in your life.  You will find yourself happier and more at peace in your world.