The Best Way to Grow is to Serve

I know for me, the way I enjoy life the most is to serve others. There is something special about that. I am sure each of us can think of people who have touched our lives through their service. This person may be our next store neighbor, a relative, an ancestor, or someone who lived a long time ago. Most likely, it includes all of these and more. If we all have a service attitude, then we each can contribute to a wonderful solution that will lift all of us. At the start of a new year is the perfect time to find others that have similar goals and help each other reach our goals and desires. As we serve each other, we will succeed as individuals and as a larger community.

As an example of service is the fig tree. It is created to grow and serve figs. If you are familiar with the New Testament, you are aware of what happens to a fig tree that looks beautiful but does not grow and serve figs. We each have God-given talents that might be our own unique gift to our friends and others. It takes a life-time to know what our gifts are, but as each of us discovers the gifts and talents we have and begins to use them we each will become more aware of how to better use these gifts and to discover the other talents with which we have been blessed. If we do this, we will be like the fig tree that grows and serves beautiful figs.

I know the people with whom I enjoy doing business the most are those who are willing to serve me, find out what I need and why I need it, then offer something that will fill my needs. This is done without using high pressure techniques to sell me something I do not truly need. Certain industries are more noted for this type of selling, but even when I am looking for those products I prefer dealing with a person who gives me the facts and then lets me decide. How do you like to be treated when you are looking for something? I do have products to offer, but I much prefer telling the benefits of these product in relationship to the needs of the individual and then letting them decide. I may not have as many purchases as others, but I find that I have a better opportunity to have a repeat customer. I would much rather serve a repeat customer than to pressure someone to buy a product they do not want. Through service and truly understanding what the other person needs, I can be of much greater benefit to the other person. The side benefit is that I can sleep better at night knowing I helped someone with something they truly needed and wanted. in the long run, there is always great gratitude for those who serve.

Serving others is so enjoyable. I wish you all the best for a joyous and prosperous New Year.