Giving Back
One of my latest favorite quotes goes like this: “When life gets better, don’t just elevate your standard of living; elevate your standard of giving.”
Often, we confine the concept of giving within the boundaries of financial transactions. Yet, the essence of giving transcends mere currency. It encompasses a rich tapestry of offerings: knowledge shared, time generously given, love expressed, and encouragement bestowed. Of course, financial contributions have their place, but true giving extends far beyond monetary realms, enriching both the giver and the recipient in immeasurable ways.
Take a moment to rewind to the last time someone bestowed upon you a gift. What was it exactly? Did its utility extend beyond the physical realm to provide genuine assistance? More importantly, what significance did it hold in your heart? Did its impact linger long after its initial receipt, or did its usefulness fade with time? And perhaps most intriguingly, even now, are you still uncovering valuable lessons from this token of generosity?
My wife and I have embarked on a new chapter of life, one unlike any we’ve experienced thus far. With our youngest child now nine years old and our oldest behind the wheel, we find ourselves navigating uncharted territory. This pivotal moment has prompted us to contemplate the future through a fresh lens, challenging us to reimagine our aspirations and priorities in ways we never previously considered.
In our journey, we’ve realized how many blessings we’ve received from a higher power—more than we ever expected. It’s a powerful reminder of how lucky we are. As we go through life right now, I’ve had some important insights.
One valuable lesson I’ve learned is the importance of giving back more than we receive. When we give back, we’re not just helping others; we’re also empowering them to pursue their dreams and aspirations. Just imagine a world where no one ever received any advice or encouragement—it’s hard to picture, isn’t it?
My wife and I had the pleasure of attending a fundraiser for a local nonprofit organization—a Christian ministry dedicated to its cause. The event was nothing short of remarkable, offering us a glimpse into their core values and the impactful work they’re striving to achieve.
As the event drew to a close, I seized the opportunity to approach the CEO of the organization. Recognizing two key desires subtly hinted at throughout their presentation, I extended an offer to assist them in delving deeper into marketing strategies and expanding their audience reach.
Even though we weren’t in a position to make a hefty financial contribution, we refused to let that deter us from supporting their growth and progress.
The other day, I had the privilege of sitting down with a budding author who had just released her debut book and was eager to embark on the next chapter of her literary journey. Unsure of where to turn, she reached out to me, asking if I could spare a few moments to offer guidance and support.
Following our brief exchange, we decided to set aside some dedicated time to hash out a game plan for her next literary venture. Together, we delved into crafting a roadmap for her forthcoming book and even ignited the sparks of creativity by brainstorming the initial steps of her value ladder.
Here’s the thing: Giving back isn’t solely about money. It’s about the profound impact we can make, regardless of our financial situation. We give not out of expectation, but out of gratitude for the blessings bestowed upon us.
Not. Our motivation to give stems from recognizing the abundance of blessings we’ve received and will continue to receive. It’s a profound truth: When we extend a hand to others, whether through acts of kindness or generosity, the universe has a way of repaying us in ways far beyond what we could have imagined.
Ah, the early days of our business venture are etched in my memory. I recall a particularly memorable encounter with my boss, who suggested, “You should be pitching this to everyone you meet, especially during work trips.” It was an unexpected piece of advice, considering the source. Little did I know, deep down, he harbored ulterior motives, aiming to paint me as conflicted and unfit for the job. Needless to say, I steered clear of his counsel, trusting my instincts instead.
Rather than heeding the advice of my boss, I turned to the wisdom of those around me who preached the gospel of hustle, even when off the clock. Nights and weekends became sacred times devoted to building our website from scratch. Lunch and dinner meetings became opportunities for enlightenment as we soaked up knowledge from anyone willing to share. Despite financial strains that made affording groceries a challenge, we prioritized treating our mentors to meals, recognizing the value of investing in relationships and knowledge acquisition.
We didn’t just listen passively; we absorbed their advice like sponges, scribbling down notes and dissecting the crucial tasks laid out before us. But we didn’t stop there—we took bold, decisive action.
Similar to the concept of giving back, when someone extends a hand or spots an opportunity to enhance another’s business or well-being, it’s imperative to spring into action.
Quit spectating from the sidelines of giving back; cease the excuses of waiting until you have more money or until your financial situation improves.
Contribute to a meaningful cause with a donation that leaves a lasting impact.
Empower someone by sharing your valuable knowledge and insights.
Boost the spirits of those lacking confidence with words of encouragement that ignite their self-belief.
Don’t wait—seize the opportunity to give back now, because your actions have the power to propel others forward!
So, what are you waiting for? Take action and make a difference today!
Enhance your faith-led leadership journey with God First Life Next. Explore empowering insights at “Understanding the Impact of Encouragement” Let faith guide your leadership. Click for purposeful living at GodFirstLifeNext.org.
