This past week in Texas has been one of work, family, fun, and conversation. I’ve talked with more people than I normally do, and most of them strangers. That’s the joy. I learn much, listen closely, and hope I’m adding value to someone else’s life.
That’s crucial for me… That’s who I am. Some may call me a people person, and I accept that, but what if we saw ourselves differently. How? Learn to add value to others.
Adding Value
I know someone who always talks about self…
And another one who talks about nonsense.
Someone pretends to listen but testing them proves they don’t.
Another, and this is truly a great find, knows just what to say, and when.
That’s the one I want to be…
Because they know how to add value.
They give when and with what is needed,
And they’ve learned what’s not needed and are quiet.
In a world of “takers”
You learn to watch for the gimmick.
You want to be an assistance,
But this world is full of scammers.
For someone with a “giving” spirit
You trust someone will take only what’s needed.
But, and again I reiterate,
You can give away the farm
And there’s always someone
Willing to take more
Than what you have to give.
We build fences and walls,
Look for the negative
Seek the positive
And pray you aren’t taken to the cleaners!
Jesus says it like this in his famous Sermon on the Mount:
“”Here’s another old saying that deserves a second look:
‘Eye for eye, tooth for tooth.’
Is that going to get us anywhere?
Here’s what I propose:
‘Don’t hit back at all.’
If someone strikes you, stand there and take it.
If someone drags you into court and sues for the shirt off your back,
giftwrap your best coat and make a present of it.
And if someone takes unfair advantage of you,
use the occasion to practice the servant life.
No more tit-for-tat stuff.
Live generously.”
(Matthew 5:38-42, MSG)
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