Monday, July 02, 2007

Honor or Duty?

INSPIRATION FOR TODAY:
"No person was ever honored for what he received.
Honor has been the reward for what he gave."
~ Calvin Coolidge

'TIS BETTER TO GIVE . . .
People are often asked why they give, be it money to the ASPCA, service to Habitat for Humanity, or time to whatever organization or individual that needs assistance. Responses, of course, vary. Some give to help others that are less fortunate. Others feel that they should give back to the various communities that have allowed them to become successful.


Still others may note a moral duty to provide for the less fortunate, and others believe that whether they are in the financial or lifestyle situation to make giving easy is irrelevant. In truth, all these responses are valid. But they miss what may be the most important reason to give at all.

An educator was once asked why he, a full professor and leader in American school reform, devoted a chunk of time each year to teaching for free in some of America’s most difficult inner city schools. It was a good question, and one that took him quite some time to figure out.

Was it to help out those students? Not really. Was it to keep his edge in the classroom? He had to answer no to that one, too. Was it to maintain validity as a reformer to his peers and critics? No. He finally realized that he went to the schools for himself – to re-energize his own being. He got as much or more from the students he helped as he felt he gave to them.

The bottom line is this: to give to others is part of what makes us human. Sure, it helps people in need, but we MUST give in order to be fully alive and happy ourselves. Coolidge was only partly right.

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posted by The Office Grapevine at 11:57 AM 0 comments

Monday, June 18, 2007

Light

INSPIRATION FOR TODAY:
"A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle."
~ Father James Keller (1900-1977)

GOT A LIGHT?
We all love a compliment. Your manager might say, "I noticed that your last sale was handled very smoothly. Thanks for offering our customers such excellent service!" Your wife or husband may tell you, "I'm so proud of the way you encourage our children!" Your grown child returns home for a visit and says, "Thanks for making it possible for me to get my degree!" Those are "feel good" times, aren't they?

If you live a more or less normal day-to-day sort of life, compliments are always welcome, but aren't absolutely critical to your sense of well-being. You don't have to get them to make it through the day. If you are fortunate enough to enjoy high self-esteem, why not consider becoming a "candle" to others?

There are many around us each day, both children and adults, who suffer from mild to extreme "compliment" deficiencies. They may have never been told that they are good, or attractive, or intelligent. As children, they may have never experienced the exhilaration of getting a base hit, or making an "A" on a test, or receiving an "Honorable Mention" in art class. As adults, they may have lost a job, a spouse, or their health. In short, many around us have never even had their "candle" lighted once.

You can become the greatest philanthropist of all time without giving away a dime. All it takes to make a life-changing difference in someone's life is to share the light from your candle. Each day, look for opportunities to encourage, compliment, or offer your knowledge to those who are "candle deprived." Think back to when you were a child. Was there some special person who took that time with you - someone you've never forgotten?

Sharing your candle by lighting many others can warm both hearts and souls. Make a difference - starting today!

(Originally published October 13, 2003)

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posted by The Office Grapevine at 11:41 AM 0 comments