Giver or Taker?

Today I was reading an email from my coach of a leadership programme that I signed up for more than 2 years ago. She was sharing with me and my course mates on how a friend of hers had made an impact on her life.

Here’s an excerpt from her email:

Someone has suggested that years from now we’ll be the same except for the books we read and the people we meet. We don’t read books as we once did – thanks to the Internet, cable TV and myriad other forms of communication. However, the idea that our lives are greatly influenced by the people who cross our paths still holds true.

Throughout our tenure on earth, dozens – perhaps even hundreds – of people leave their imprint on our lives. I can think of family members, teachers, friends, pastors, bosses and coworkers that each has touched my life in unique, invaluable ways. They have helped in molding and shaping me into the person I have become.Ultimately, I believe this is the measure of our lives – our legacy. It’s not about the money we earn, stuff we collect, titles we hold, or awards we win. It’s about making a difference. Even if we can influence just one life in a positive way, our own lives have significance and meaning.

Proverbs 27:17 tells us, “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” Whose life is better today because of knowing you?

Her short and simple sharing through email has once again reminded me of what I shared with someone dear over tea last Sunday, that I make a conscious effort to ensure that I keep in contact with my friends or try to get to know them better so as to love and appreciate them for who they are, and to provide support if the need arises.

Many a times we take for granted what we have or is given to us, but how often do we question ourselves what we have done in return?

My coach and my course mates are individuals who have impacted my life, and I hope to pay it forward, to reach out to as many people as I can.

So....are you a taker or a giver?

My course mates from the leadership programme-LP64