Opportunities to give and help are everywhere. If we just look around us, someone somewhere could use a kind word today. Someone needs to know that they are loved.
Someone is struggling financially and there is something we can do to help if even a little. Someone simply needs a hug. Someone wants to be heard and given some time and attention.
It might cost us time, money, stepping out of our comfort zone, or sacrificing our own needs, but the rewards of giving are priceless. When we give, we reap the joy of of seeing a bright smile, laughter, tears, joy, and gratitude. Giving is one of the best way to share our joy, love, and goodness for life!
I’d like to share a story with you that I believe is a great illustration of the value of giving, loving, sharing, and doing today!
A rich man once asked a friend, "Why am I criticized for being miserly? Everyone knows I will leave everything to charity when I die." "Well," said the friend, "let me tell you about the pig and the cow. The pig was lamenting to the cow one day about how unpopular he was."
"People are always talking about your gentleness and kindness," said the pig. "Sure you give milk and cream, but I give more. I give bacon, ham, bristles. They even pickle my feet! Still, nobody likes me. Whis is this?" The cow thought a minute, then replied, "Well, maybe it is because I give while I am still living."
I love that story! Is it any wonder why everyone loves the cow? It's not how much the cow gave, but the very fact that the cow gave what it could here and now. The pig boasted about how much he would give when he died and that was his excuse for being miserly in the present. The pig was missing out on so much joy that comes from giving that he envied the cow's popularity. What a great lesson to learn and apply about giving and making a difference today, while we still can!
Following are several questions to help you reflect on your giving:
* Would others describe you as a giver, taker, generous, miserly? Why?
* When was the last time that you gave someone a gift, compliment, your time, or anything? How did it make you feel?
* What was your attitude in giving? Did you hope for or expect a particular response or reaction?
* Do you feel people owe you something when you give to them?
* Can you be more giving? How? What are you waiting for?
You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give. ~ Kahlil Gibran
Giving is the lifeblood of happy living. ~ Todd Parrish
I encourage you to bless someone today.
And may you be blessed with the true joy of giving!
Copyright © 2008, 2010 Krystal Kuehn, New Day Counseling Center. All Rights Reserved.
The manner in which it is given is worth more than the gift. ~Pierre Corneille
It is more blessed to give than to receive. ~Acts 20:35
Krystal Kuehn, MA, LPC, LLP, NCC is a psychotherapist, author, teacher & musician. She is the cofounder of New Day Counseling, a family marriage counseling and children counseling center, BeHappy4Life.com, an award-winning, self-help and inspirational site where you can find hundreds of free resources, insights & words of inspiration to change your life, and Baby-Poems.com where you can find beautiful baby poems, baby quotes, cute sayings & baby videos that will touch your heart & increase your joy & gratitude for the children you love & enjoy! Check out Krystal's other blogs: Give Thanks Journal, Baby Poems & Be Your Best blog.
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