A certain farmer was know for cultivating prize-winning corn. Every year, he entered his corn in various agricultural competitions and he always garnered awards. A curious journalist interviewed him and he asked what his secrets were, thinking it could be such things as the fertilizer or his irrigation methods. "Oh, it's nothing complicated," the farmer answered, "I simply share my corn seeds with my neighbors."
The reporter's eyes widened. "How can you afford to share your best corn seeds with your neighbors when they, too, are always joining the same contests you join?" he incredulously asked.
"It's like this," the farmer explained, "the wind picks up the pollen from the ripening corn and scatters it to the field. If my neighbors grow inferior corn, cross pollination will downgrade the quality of my corn. So, in order to have good corn, I must help my neighbors grow good corn."
The same goes true with our lives. We are all interconnected. The value of life is measured by the lives we touch. If you have something good, learn to share it. Here are some ways we can serve and effectively give of ourselves:
ACKNOWLEDGE THE GOOD THINGS OTHER PEOPLE DO
If you work everyday and somebody opens the door or presses the elevator button for you, take time to express your appreciation by thanking him. Such effortless acts bring special joy. They will be grateful in return and think of you as a special person. Yes, all that just for saying thanks!
TAKE TIME TO REALLY LISTEN TO SOMEBODY
Everybody needs a shoulder to lean on or to cry on. There are times when a loved one, a friend or somebody close to you wants to "let it all out" by sharing challenges, problems, travails, or anything especially difficult in his life. When you listen, you show that you care. The good thing is that, when it's your turn to de-stress, that somebody you listened to will also be willing to listen to you.
PRACTICE BASIC COURTESIES
Simple expressions such as, "please," "thank you," "you're welcome," and "I appreciate it very much" show our etiquette and good manners. When we show politeness to those around us, we are in effect showing how much we respect them.
ALWAYS SHARE
Whether it's the extra sandwich in your lunch pack or bedspace to a friend who has no place to stay for the night, learn to share. Just imagine if God stopped sharing His blessings with us, what do you think would happen to humanity? Sharing is one of the best symbols of generosity. When we share, we also teach others not to be greedy.
VOLUNTEER YOUR TIME AND EFFORTS
Look around you. Does your neighbor need help in repairing his house? Does your son or daughter need help in learning a new skill? Is your workmate having a hard time sorting out files or getting confused by some new computer programs? Give of your time and skills.
DONATE YOUR RESOURCES TO WORTHY CAUSES
One of America's richest men, billionaire Jon Huntsman, dedicated much of his fortune to philanthropic causes after establishing a worldwide chemicals manufacturing empire. You, too, no matter how meager your resources may be, can do the same! Donate a small amount of money or give away old clothes to charitable institutions. Be active in a church or any religious or social organization that helps others.
CONGRATULATE OTHERS ON THEIR SUCCESSES AND ACHIEVEMENTS
This can be more than just shaking hands or giving a pat on the back. When somebody gets promoted, share encouraging words or advice. When your child gets a good grade or succeeds in a particular endeavor, why not prepare a memorable treat for him?
TAKE OUT THE ENTIRE FAMILY ON A SERVICE PROJECT
Go to an orphanage, a home for elderly people or for people with disabilities and do quiet acts of service as a family. You will be teaching your family members lasting lessons that they will in turn teach others. One family I know makes a yearly tradition of inviting to their house the nuns who run a home for street kids, giving them a grand time and eagerly handing out donations.
Remember, just as others have been good to you and helped you succeed, give back to society and to God the blessings that you have received. Perhaps our attitude should be like that expressed in an early Scottish prayer:
I am giving thee worship with my whole life,
I am giving thee assent with my whole power,
I am giving thee praise with my whole tongue,
I am giving thee honor with my whole utterance,
I am giving thee reverence with my whole understanding,
I am giving thee offering with my whole thought,
I am giving thee praise with my whole fervor,
I am giving thee humility in the blood of the lamb,
I am giving thee love with my whole devotion,
I am giving thee kneeling with my whole desire,
I am giving thee love with my whole heart,
I am giving thee affection with my whole sense,
I am giving thee my existence with my whole mind,
I am giving thee my soul, O God of all gods.