Any idea how many times you’ve gotten something and given something?

Of course, that’s almost impossible to answer, however, it forms the structure of our existence. We get many things while here on earth, but it’s very important for us to give, too. “Oh gosh, what have I gotten so far on this journey of mine?” you might ask yourself. The answer will blow your mind. Well, to ease your anxiety, I’ll pass on a few of the items I’ve received.

How about we begin with life? Thank you, parents! Maybe it’s good health. You may have gotten the need to be medically treated. Well, thank you to our medical providers. I am constantly amazed how many folks have been placed in my path who have been outstanding friends. Thank goodness I got them!

Of course, most of us are so immersed in getting that we ignore the “getting feeling.” We work hard to get a good education that will help us get the stuff of life. We prepare ourselves for a good rewarding work experience. We put in long hours of labor, persist through anxious moments to get whatever. We plod along.

We want to realize a safe and secure life for our family. Therefore, we forge on to get whatever we believe is necessary to create that life style from the fires of life.

Now, to the giving part of our lives.

Basically, it can be summed up in the words of the Golden Rule: “Do onto others as you would have them do onto you.” By the way, that old adage is found in almost every ancient and current religion. It’s the bedrock of giving.

Simply put, you should treat others as you would like them to treat you. That means giving of yourself. Isn’t that what your parents, friends, family and nature do for you? They have all given you who you are. Nature gives us its magnificent beauty. The folks around us give us physical, moral and spiritual support as needed. Also, let’s not forget to give of ourselves. This giving philosophy was placed in front of me a few days ago.

It had been a hectic day. After supper, I wanted some solitary time and went outside to take a mini walk. In our village, Thursday nights are a time for the community to come together and to support each other. There was some music playing on the street so I thought I’d step into my favorite coffee shop and get a cup of coffee.

I walked into the shop, and after placing my order, suddenly realized I didn’t have my wallet with me. Nice going, Dumbo! Upon telling the staff that I couldn’t get coffee because of having no resources to pay for it, the staff person smiled at me and said, “It’s on the house.” Folks, I’ll never forget that gracious act of giving. I will give back!

There have been many bottles of wine given to me over the years, and I am always of the belief I don’t deserve that generosity. Yet, it’s very interesting to discover how I can give back. Hopefully, the Golden Rule is being properly lived.

I am a firm believer in the adage that if your are going to talk the talk, walk the walk. That simply means that you should act and not just babble. There’s an old African proverb that tells us that when you pray, move your feet. In other words, as you get to the urge to pray, move your feet and give of yourself.

To go along with that proverb, I recently came across this wonderful sentence, “We make a living by what we get, and we make a life by what we give.”

May your legacy be filled with giving.

As always, eat and drink in moderation, but laugh with reckless abandon!

Cheers!