Give Away What You Want the Most

What do you want the most in life? Is it love? Is it respect? Is it peace? Is it encouragement?

Give it to others. You will be amazed at how it all comes back to you.

Sit down sometime this weekend and jot down three to five things that you most want. In the next week, make it a practice to give those things to someone else...without expectation of return.

The return may not come to you in the same day or even the same month, but watch for it. It will come back to you.

Matthew 10:8 says "Freely you have received, freely give."

For example, if I value encouragement, then I could write a note to someone who I appreciate.

If I value forgiveness, then I could be understanding if someone is having a bad day and not on the best behavior.

If I value respect, then I could show tolerance for someone else's opinion.

And if I value love, then I could use every opportunity to display it for others, regardless of their response.

This giving could also be material. If I value a warm coat, I could provide one to someone in need. If I value a delicious meal, I could cook for someone (or buy someone dinner!).

Be creative. Write down the things you value and proceed to give them away. I'd love to hear what happens for you next!

Col 3:23

Basic Politeness

I came across this policy on a CPA blog, but it's a great list of tips for basic politeness, respect and conflict resolution in everyday life. Common sense, but how many of us are good at following them? Never too late!

1. If you have a problem with someone, talk about the problem only with them and in private.
2. Use positive conversation.
3. Blame a system not a person.
4. Apologize and make restitution if someone is upset by your actions.
5. When you talk about a person who is not present, speak as if they are listening to your conversation.
6.Use the person’s name in each sentence in which you refer to them.
7. Speak very politely using a person’s name - - ‘please’ & ‘thank-you’ as a minimum.
8. Greet and farewell everyone by name and with eye contact.
9. Tell the truth.

Ultimately, following these tips will make our lives better, too.