Goal #2-Be Generous
Sometimes I hear people say that they don’t get involved in
non-profits or charities because they just can’t afford it. Or they say things like, “I just don’t have
anything to give.” I think we can all
feel that way from time to time but I am going to challenge that belief because
everyone has something to give. Whether
it’s to a lonely neighbor, a troubled teen, or an organization that feeds and
shelters the homeless; giving back is critical to our well being. Being generous with the gifts that God has
given you will make you a healthier person in emotionally, spiritually, and
physically. It will create in you a more grateful heart as you learn of the
unique plights of those in your own neighborhood. Giving of your time and your
talents is very helpful for others but just as critical for you. Even a smile or a kind word can make a huge difference in the life of another. It's also important to remember this: it’s not all about the giving of your
finances, although not valuing our
money over human need is an important attitude to live by. I like the
saying, “use money and love people but never use people and love money.” At the end of the day it’s all about love.
“The
emotional benefits [of generosity] are that we cultivate an internal sense of
plenitude, enjoy positive feelings from those within our community, and
experience an improved self-esteem. This goes for time, love, and attention
just as much — if not more — than for money,” says psychologist Chloe Carmichael, PhD, who has a private practice in New York City.
The
benefits of giving back don’t just apply to adults. A 2013 study published in
the journal JAMA Pediatrics examined how volunteering
might affect the physical health of adolescents. Researchers divided 106 tenth
graders into two groups — one group regularly volunteered one hour a week for
10 weeks, and the other group didn’t volunteer at all. After 10 weeks, the
students in the volunteer group had lower levels of cholesterol and
inflammation, and lower BMIs than the other group.
Generosity improves our self-image, lowers our blood
pressure, gives us better heart health, and improves our outlook, empathy, and
intimacy towards others. Over and over we read about the many benefits of
volunteering so make sure you put that towards the top of your list of goals for
2017. Your children, grandchildren, and anyone in your sphere of influence
will also benefit as they witness your example.
“Give, and it will be given
to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be
poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to
you.” Luke 6:38
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Yes and well said, Donna. I am pleased in our community of Ontario, Canada, in order to graduate, students must complete volunteer time in the community. I have never heard a young person complain about this and that goes to their credit and the educators too. All are on board and it is a positive time albeit in addition to school hours.
ReplyDeleteIn Canada being our 150th anniversary of Confederation this year, 2017, our Government under Justin Trudeau has a '150 for 150 program', asking Canadians to commit to 150 hours of volunteering in 2017. It is a good plan and like your blog, it emphasizes the positive two-way gain, emotionally, physically and physiologically that this effort can bring and perhaps continue. We meet our neighbours, help and are helped.
I was the one helped yesterday as my stairlift in my house broke down and had to be removed as it has been working hard for 30 years and finally can no longer operate safely. A man building a house extension we asked for help. He said " I know you, you used to support my son and I when we delivered sod and topsoil as a Scouts program. My son who is older now and I will remove it". They came and removed this heavy unit plus the rails and many screws and disposed of it all for us. They left seeming happy, refused any compensation for their 3 hours work. I too felt good and encouraged to find a need and fill it myself!
Thank you for this positive start to my Sunday, the 1st day of my week.
Jan-Michael