The Paradox of Service to Others

Providing service to others without renumeration can initially seem like it is only for the recipient of the service. Yet as we serve another, we realize we are benefiting, perhaps even more than those we are serving.

Boy Scouts builds a love of service while still young. Adults in the lives of children can similarly build a love of service of others into the characters of those future leaders they are molding.

Even if service is given only from a sense of duty, a lesser motive than wanting to help others, a service still gets done in an area of human need. Additionally, the service has an impact that upon even a small amount of reflection will begin to tilt a person towards seeing the benefits of serving our fellow mankind.

Such service strengthens our character too.

There are stories in the press about Doctors helping others after natural disasters, of lawyers doing pro bono work for those who would not otherwise be able to afford it.

We all have abilities we can periodically share with others. We charge for our valuable services most of the time, and yet offering it periodically without payment helps lift us all.

With a child, it does not have to be something dramatic like arriving with chainsaws, rakes, and gloves after Hurricane Katrina, although that turned out nicely for teenagers. It can be as simple as making dinner for someone else who is sick. Even younger children can help in the preparation and go with you during the delivery. They watch our every move. Show them service.

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