The Art of Gift-Giving

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.   © 2019 John Patrick Hickey