We all have
heard many times that it is better to give than to receive. Depending on your age group or the degree of the
self-centeredness of a person, we would
agree this is true. Success-minded
people love to give to others. Often,
when we talk of giving we tend to look at material things. We give gifts, money or something we
own. These are easy to give, but never
seem to last for a long time.
The Scout slogan is, Do A Good Turn Daily. The Boy Scout Handbook defines
this as: “Doing something to help others each day without expecting anything in
return. It means doing your part to care for your community and the
environment, too.” Doing a good turn is helping with
big things and doing the small things that count.
If there is a disaster or emergency, you will find the Scouts there and
ready to do their part. That is great, however, Scout is to also be there when the shopper with their arms full of
packages needs the door open for them. They need to be there when the child has
gotten their ball or toy stuck in the tree. There are hundreds of times during
the day when a Scout can do that good turn. There is no limit to the number of good turns you can do in the course
of the day.
This good turn also does not stop once the Scout is grown and out in the
everyday world of adulthood. Success-minded people must always be aware of those around them and be willing and able
to help whenever needed, without being asked first. Doing a good turn is in
many ways the highest form of gift giving there is. I would like to look at
four gifts that keep on giving and have far greater value.
Gift 1. Your time
Of all the gifts we can give, time is the most
precious. If you give a material gift,
you can always replace it. If you give
money, you can always get more. But when
you give of your time you are giving something that cannot be replaced. Once our time is gone, whether that be a
minute or a day, it is gone forever and you can never get it back. With that in mind, give your time
wisely. See it as an investment in
others and do not waste it. One of the
great things about giving time is that we all have the same amount to work
with. No one has more and no one has less.
“The greatest good you can do for another is not just your riches, but
reveal to them their own.”
– Benjamin Disraeli
(1804-1881)
Former
British Prime Minister
Gift 2. Your attention
When you are with someone, be
with them. Do not spend the time on your
phone or a game. When people talk to
you, listen to what they need to say.
When you are working with them to
be sure to share the experience completely.
I agree with the words of philosopher and writer, Henry David Thoreau:
"The
greatest compliment that was ever paid me was when one asked me what I thought,
and attended to my answer."
Gift 3. Your encouragement
Life is hard. It is hard for everyone, not just you. We all need some help along the way from time
to time. We need someone to believe in
us and to believe we will, in fact,
achieve our dreams. Be that person to
those around you. If someone needs a pat
on the back, a kind smile or a "You can do it!" be sure it comes from
you. Believe in the greatness of others
and the possibilities they hold. Always
be the positive encourager, never the negative roadblock.
Gift 4. Your skills
One of the Scout Laws is that a
Scout is helpful. Be ready to lend a
hand when people are in need. You have
gifts and talents that others need. Be generous
with what you have and do your best every time.
You will find that the more you are willing to help others the more they
will be willing to help you. We need
each other, so this is a gift that gives again and again.
You
matter! You matter to the world and to
yourself. Remember to be your best, love
God, have good manners, achieve the unknown and change your world.
Scouting Out of Uniform
is a personal blog based on the lessons learned from Scouting that relate to
personal development and success principles and is not an official site of The
Boy Scouts of America. John Patrick Hickey does not represent or speak for the
Scouting program; however, he does completely support and encourages Scouting
for both young and old. John Patrick Hickey is an author, speaker, Personal
Development Coach and proud Scouter. To read more from John Patrick Hickey or
to get his books, training and book him to speak to your church, business or
group, visit our website at www.johnpatrickhickey.com. © 2018 John Patrick Hickey
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