Living 4 Giving

Living 4 Giving
By Sarah Hongerloot

I want discuss our life purpose in depth – Living for Giving. In the self-centered society we live in with instant gratification, accumulating wealth and material possessions, a glorification of self-centeredness, incivility and negative news (see Miles Yohnke’s article regarding the media) advertised like a disease on a daily basis, one has to stop and ponder the question – WHAT is our purpose? Surely there is much more to living than what scratches the surface.

Our purpose is to grow in love and service for others yet so few seem to have the heart in comprehending exactly what this means. Living in this world isn’t just about “US” other than striving for salvation towards God’s magnificent kingdom, and the way salvation can truly be achieved is through service to others. It means we take a moment to reflect in gratitude for what he has blessed us with, allowing the holy spirit provide the desire in accomplishing HIS will, unable to do in our own power. Two or more is far stronger than one when everyone comes together for a unifying purpose higher than our own. The collective shift in consciousness is an advocate for God’s work to flow through us.

Have you ever stopped to think God ordained us with the awesome responsibility of being a blessing to others? Our lives weren’t always meant to be comfortable or easy because the eternal gifts we develop as a result strengthens and beautifies our character, HIS wish and desire for us. You don’t always get what you want, but you get what you need, as is my discovery in life. With the journey of personal refinement, one learns to practice the art of joy and happiness no matter the sometimes tumultuous weather our personal lives encompass. This can be quite a challenge – rising above adversities, stretching our character rubber bands to lift our souls to a place of divine service.

For example, I seem to be the kind of person who starts something afresh with grandiose intentions at heart but when it really comes down to it, balk. When the going gets tough my spirit deflates when I barely even started! I’m French by heritage; never realizing part of their character flaw is one where they tend to give up too easy (lol). All the French seem to care about is good food, wine, family, friends and pastries, never realizing until years later with a comment dad made to me once – “You are more French than you realize!” How true. At least now I have a deep understanding of this character flaw, able to view it in a light of humor, while growing in resilience.

About ten years ago – I went through a very dark period in my life. To date it was the most difficult challenge endured and I won’t go into details of the events leading up to it. At the time I was experiencing major setbacks, felt very weak physically/mentally, fearing I would never be put back together. I had difficulty looking beyond my pain and felt some people would not understand what I was going through. I will describe the experience as both the worst of times and the best of times; the best meaning the eventual wealth of knowledge and personal strength gained from it (although not visible at the time.) I met people from all walks of life struggling with all kinds of problems. I realized I wasn’t the only one; it wasn’t just about ME or what issues I was struggling with.

It doesn’t matter how well someone appears to have it together on the outside - - everyone has SOME thing to contend with in their lives. I learned it was okay to ask for help, encouragement and support. I learned stronger skills in achieving the kind of emotional resilience needed to continue on life’s journey. We often forget to celebrate the distance traveled and our achievements (Todd illustrates this point perfectly in his poem “My Eyes.” - THANK YOU, Todd, for the insight!)

Perhaps you believe you are in a particular situation you wouldn’t have chosen for yourself (I can relate and I’m not talking about being in serious trouble or anything). We can easily think “Woe is me – how unhappy I be!” Guilty as charged ‘cause I’ve done it. Joy and happiness exists as a state of mind, not outward circumstances. It is more often the case people who have nothing, give the most.

I never seemed to be satisfied in life, either ruminating over the past, past regrets or worrying about the future. In fact, I can be like the rabbit from “Alice In Wonderland” who dances around nervously muttering to himself – “I’m late, I’m late for a very important date!” Each time I allowed TIME get the best of me, remember that line and laugh (thankful I can see humor!) Not always looking backwards – except on reflection of some incredible teachers I’ve had the brief privilege of knowing; but not lingering excessively over time gone by. And what IS time anyway? It keeps moving – “..it don’t care about yesterday and don’t give a d - - - about no tomorrow” as quoted by Lionel Richie from his album “Time.”

I think all of us fight against time to some degree. Here and now is all there is. The more “moments” we allow ourselves to experience in the present, a deeper connectedness and meaning to life we will have – which brings me back to our duty of others – to manage our time wisely on earth to be an extension of God’s love. Remember the common Bible quote: “Do not worry over tomorrow for tomorrow will worry about itself?” Also living in the present allows one to fully accept what IS – not what WAS or WILL BE.

Whenever you are feeling down, or stuck in time remember, get OUT of yourself! Focus on your purpose in living for giving. Do something nice for someone no matter how seemingly insignificant. The reward is knowing you made a positive contribution to the life of another and you will find your time on earth a highly worthwhile endeavor. Carpe diem, my friends - - Make a difference! Recommended sites:
www.onekindact.com www.responsibilityproject.com or www.helpothers.org