Random Thoughts About Giving & Getting
As time passes, I have come to realize that the differences between giving and getting are minimal at best. I wonder how many times have I said..."Gee, I wish I had one of those!" Or how about..."I wonder how much that costs?" I'm sure that these kinds of questions are typical for most of humanity.
As I grow older, however, I have come to realize that giving can be just as much fun as getting. This includes all kinds of things, i.e. money, material goods, services, and feelings. Also, it can be something large or small. It really doesn't matter. One easy example comes to mind...holding the door for someone at Duncan Donuts. Invariably it results in a smile and a thank you, and it doesn't matter if I have my hands full or not. My elbow or foot invariably does the job if need be.
Many years ago St. Francis prayerfully wrote about the subject of him giving goodness to the World. Here are some of his thoughts: That where there is hatred, may I bring love. That where there is despair, may I bring hope. That where there is sadness, may I bring joy. That where there is error, may I bring truth. It is difficult to imagine such a scenario if we were all to practice St. Francis' principles.
Just think of how peaceful and happy the world could be if we would all participate in that kind of thought process and behavior: stress and discord would be eliminated, wars would become non-existent, and weapons of mass destruction could be done away with. We would experience a new peace, harmony, and serenity that have heretofore escaped us.
To think of giving on an individual basis is not difficult for most folks. Of course the recipient of our generosity is invariably pleased. But, because giving freely is a rather intimate act, it usually brings us joy as well.
From my own perspective, I cannot think of anything that has given me greater joy than to have founded Growth Through Learning---a non-profit organization that supports girl's education in East Africa. The gratitude the girls have expressed to me, both personally and by letter, has been overwhelming. We are now almost 13 years old, and during that time we have affected the lives of hundreds of girls and young women. At the same time, our board members also realize that helping others to a better life is a most satisfying project.
From all of my thoughts and discussions I have had on this subject, I invariably come to the same conclusion: the act of giving of oneself is the most worthwhile and satisfying act imaginable. Surely, that action represents a real love of both oneself and others. Amazing isn't it that giving of oneself doesn't necessarily cost anything? In most cases it is extremely easy to reach out to others who need a helping hand. Perhaps they need a ride, or someone to run an errand, or just to stop by and have a visit.
Why then do some of us constantly search for wealth and material goods? I believe that the answer lies within us in terms of love. And, the more we love ourselves, the more love we have for others. That translates into our desire to give without expecting to receive in return. Generosity becomes an act of love for our fellow human beings. Ego has little to do with it, as in many cases the recipient of our goodwill does not even know who we are.
