Giving More to Others Can Change Your Life I know from many years of faith counseling and speaking with hundreds of people, regarding                      many subjects, I’ve learned that it’s true that virtually all of us have a deep-rooted desire for self-improvement.  We want to be more accepted by others, to gain self and others respect, manage our lives better and make the right decisions. We want to establish these values with our families, children, co-workers, and friends.!  We want to leave a positive legacy to make our existence somehow more worthy.   There are many people that have heard of or are old enough to have listened to the words of one of Peggy Lee’s hit songs, "Is That All There is”.  The song describes a point of view of a person who is disillusioned with the events in their life, that could be everyday experiences to them.  One of the differences of this unique song to many of us, is the inner longing we have and think is to set ourselves free from expectation and maybe negativity.  We may even think, "If I could do things over again, I would change this or that”?  That thought may keep reoccurring in their minds!  Well, cheer up you all! If that has happened to you, because there is no doubt that failure on your part, to not have done things a different way in the past, is not fatal by any means! A very positive future, stands before you!   Paul spoke to the Corinthians about giving generously of ourselves to others in need. He linked that generosity with spiritual benefits to them with ‘the more someone gives, the more someone benefits! However, this principle goes way far beyond financial giving.  At work for example, you may donate to the local charitable cause, like the United Way, or another fine non-profit and think, "that was great because now I won’t be asked again and I can do a good deed and not have to get involved”!  But when a co-worker asks for some of your time to talk about a problem, what is your response?  Do you give your attention generously or begrudgingly, or not at all?  When your boss gives you an assignment, do you give your very best to do it right or just ‘get by to get it over with’?  What about your time and emotional energy after hours?  When your spouse or children need you, do you make yourself available generously or is there friction because of your personal needs, just feeling tired or another excuse?!  Do you give generously in fairness of yourself to those responsibilities that you are accountable for?   In 2 Corinthians 9:6-8, we know that we are constant recipients of God’s generous Grace.  He promises that if we will give of ourselves, he’ll enable us to have the abundance of resources for the work which we are called for.   Where our children, spouses, parents, friends and co-workers are concerned, we all have could have or should have moments and thoughts of being there.  It’s been that way for thousands of years folks!    We know that God’s Word gives us much advice about so many things, including relationships, responsibility, confidence, listening and speaking abilities, generosity, and the gift of conscience.  He also grants us extraordinary free will, which allows us to pick and choose and make mistakes that bring us closer to Him and grow in the confidence of ‘needing Him’ in our lives!  He knows that when we go through the trials and tribulations of wrong turns in life, we can always seek Him for the real answers of love and support!    There are thousands of questions and many times there are no easy answers about the demand and stresses of everyday life and getting caught up in times constraints and demands on us. There are many answers to our questions and ways to complete our daily lives by putting our best foot forward, by giving ourselves to others needs.    Let’s discover the love of God’s Word not only for ourselves, but be aware of the needs of others around us that we may know or meet the needs of!  Almost everyone can care and show caring towards people at a distance, but when it comes to expressing that care and love for all in need by lending a helping hand, a kind word, helping those that are down to get up or in some cases, give the necessary financial support needed at that time.  Learn to know the needs around you, both near and in the community around you! YOU can make it happen!   It is by His Grace, we are saved…by His Word we live…and by His Will, we serve all others…!