Why Giving Matters

I just heard (originally written March 2, 2009) a rebroadcast of a forum given by Arthur Brooks titled: Why Giving Matters.  His extensive research over 4 years concluded a number of important points, including the following:

·        Giving decreases stress

·        Giving increases happiness

·        Those who live their religious beliefs tend to be the most generous

·        Carter was wrong: Americans by and large are some of the most generous people anywhere

·        John D. Rockerfeller was right: the more we give, the more we seem to prosper, individually and collectively

·        We can do more for America by giving, continuing to be charitable

I found two articles he wrote which summarize some of his information: http://www.aei.org/publications/pubID.27007,filter.all/pub_detail.asp

http://www.aei.org/publications/filter.all,pubID.29242/pub_detail.asp

He began his research to prove the theory that “you have to have money first, and then you give it away.”  Instead, he discovered that those who give really are happier and seem to prosper more.  May God bless you in your endeavors this year.

Some ideas of ways to give besides the traditional/standard ways: volunteering, being kind to our families, smiling, serving people at work, being nice in traffic. 

BRIM WITH JOY

I discovered another wonderful talk I’d like to recommend:

BRIM WITH JOY, By Neal A. Maxwell: http://www.byub.org/talks/Talk.aspx?id=793

With my limited skills, I attempted to share my witness of two ways to bring joy to one’s life: service and gratitude.  As I have tried to serve some of God’s children in my small corner of the universe, I have been blessed with moments of pure joy.  As I have shared my love, far deeper love has been returned to me.  The joy of connecting with another soul defies description. 

Additionally, Elder Maxwell speaks for several minutes about treasured “intersections” with dear friends.  I feel this same gratitude to God for my treasured friendships.  How can I thank you sufficiently for the blessing that you are to my life?  Please know that I care about you and what is happening to you in your life. 

The Worth of Each Soul

After years of working with children with a range of disabilities and needs from mild to profound, one day in one special moment in time, I was able to summarize (by the gift of God) what many years of service to and love for “Special Needs Children” brought to my life.
Here are a few of the lessons these children have taught me:

God loves us all.

All human life has value and purpose.

God measures success & beauty differently than the world does.

Worth isn’t tied to what we accomplish or look like or know. It’s inherent.

"Disabled" children come to earth with gifts & talents just like the rest of us.

Great love & faith & hope are often the gifts of these wonderful people.

There are lots of ways to be "handicapped".

The Spirit of God often works with these beautiful children in unique ways.
I believe that God sent these precious souls to us to teach us about life & what really matters, to ground us, to tie us to Heaven, and to glorify God Himself (See John 9:1-3 & Matthew 15:31). I have been given a witness to the power, majesty, and glory of God as revealed through the lives & growth of God's children. I have become a witness of the value of each life. By “small means” doth God confound the “wise”.