Firefighters have a tough job. They rush into burning buildings to save us from fires. They work odd hours. Their sleep patterns may be non-existent.
One thing is certain: the amount of time and dedication a firefighter devotes to the job does not compare to the appreciation shown to them in the form of compensation.
We owe them our lives.
Walking in Someone Else’s Shoes
That act of giving is not an easy thing to master. It takes a certain mindset to turn around and say, “Here, this belongs to me, but I want you to have it because it is the right thing to do.”
With firefighters, it is simply a case of walking in another person’s shoes. They have counted the cost and they know that if no one steps in to do anything, nothing will ever get done. They want to make a difference.
Giving of our abundance, whether it is time, money or health, means seeing things from the other person’s perspective. Mental and/or physical health issues may prevent someone from accomplishing anything of value, in which case, others may need to step in to help.
And that is okay. Aiding those less fortunate would lend to a spirit of humility that would inspire others to participate as well.
Giving Is Not a Zero-Sum Game
When was the last time we have heard someone say, “You rub my back, I rub yours,” or, “If you do this for me, I will do that for you,” or how about, “I owe you one.”
Sadly, all of these statements have a condition attached to them.
Why can we not give without it being a transaction? There is nothing wrong with the word reciprocation, however, when it becomes the sole reason for giving, it is nothing more than politics.
Giving from the heart means just that, giving without expecting anything in return.
Now some may consider this philosophy a zero-sum game, in that someone else’s loss is someone else’s gain—but giving without strings is really a win-win game. In fact, bestowing on others all the joys and privileges we ourselves possess, encourages others to share in those same joys and privileges.
Imagine if everyone did that. There would be no need for the social safety nets our governments have established to help with the poor and the downtrodden.
We would all share in the abundance of the harvest our great lands produce.
Giving to Give
Therefore, let us not think of what we can get for what we can give. Instead, let us provide shelter for those who do not have homes. Let us cook food for those who are hungry. Let us bring clothing to those who cannot afford to buy it themselves.
For with every good deed we do to those who cannot do it for themselves, a greater reward awaits us with the joy we gain from giving.
Looking to God 