"You make a living by what you earn; you make a life by what you give" -Anon
Interpretation: The value of your life has nothing to do with how much money you earn; it is determined by what you give to others.
How true this is. So often we think that more money will make us more important, more successful, or even happier. That is just not true. With more money comes more stress because it seems that no matter how much money you make, it just doesn't seem to be enough to pay all the bills, let alone be enough to buy all you want to have. So many times we think there is just not enough left over to give to the less fortunate. Who says what we give has to cost actual money? I want to be remembered for how giving and loving I was not for how much money I made. I want people to say that I was always kind to them, had a smile to give, and an encouraging word to say.
I've heard it said that some of the poorest people are also some of the happiest people. They are content with what they have because it is all they really need, and yet they seem to be more than willing to love on others and give whatever they can to help someone even less fortunate than they. There seems to be a certain niche or group of people that find their riches in giving to others generously even when they haven't much to give. These angels are the ones who know what life is really all about, it's giving from our hearts to others.
When you give to others something happens to your heart, it seems to increase in size. It could be just a simple smile to a sad soul, a quarter at the cash register or a cup of hot coffee to the homeless man on the street corner; it doesn't really matter how expensive the giving is, what matters is the ACT of giving. When we reach out to help others we truly do make the world a better place.
I believe that as long as I have what I need, am able to be with the people I love the most, and take the time to help others...well, the rest is just icing on the cake I like to call life. The blessing is not in the getting but in the giving of ones self.
So go out...be kind...give and be a blessing to someone today.
The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make His face shine on you
and be gracious to you. The Lord look upon you with His everlasting
favor and give you peace.
Blessings and hugs,
"Limitations only exist if you let them"
Godspeed...this comes from the Middle English expression "God spede (you)", a wish for success and fortune for one setting out on an enterprise, voyage, adventure, or travels. It may also mean good luck.
© 2013 Shannon M. King. This publication is the exclusive property of Shannon M. King and is protected under the US Copyright Act of 1976 and all other applicable international, federal, state and local laws. The contents of this post/story may not be reproduced as a whole or in part, by any means whatsoever, without consent of the author, Shannon M. King. All rights reserved.
...a blog about SURVIVING cancer, losing mama, eating healthy food, and everything in between...
Thursday, October 10, 2013
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Amen, Shannon! Giving to others makes us richer. Giving of ourselves even more so.
ReplyDeleteSo very true Shannon. Some of the most valuable gifts we can give to others have no price tag at all.
ReplyDeleteThis is delightful, Shannon. I've been thinking about this, too, though from a slightly different perspective. I certainly agree with you!
ReplyDeleteBlessings and Bear hugs!
This is SO true! I think that giving our time is one of the best gifts we can give anyone. xo
ReplyDelete