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here is an old proverb that states, "The one who gives receives! And the one who gives more receives more" (Proverbs 11:24). Simply stated, if you want to get more out of life you have to give more to life. My father said, "If you want to be paid more, be worth more than you are being paid." Increase the value of what you deliver and the result will rise. Note, I am not saying do more, I'm saying be sure that the value of what you do is worth more. An organization does not want to hire you or buy what you have to offer; they want something you can do and get that something when they hire you. Never tell someone what you are capable of doing unless you first know what he or she is looking for. The value of your solution, that which you can do, is only weighed in direct proportion to the importance of what they need done.
If a front desk manager of a hotel knows how to check you in, but does not understand the purpose of what they do, they will not have an effect on the future success of the hotel. Knowing the procedure is not the greatest long-term value. Are they simply checking you in or are they making you feel welcome so you want to come again; welcome enough to tell all your friends about this great place in Nashville? They must understand the ultimate value of what they contribute. How about you? Do you just get the job done or do you make your world a better place? Most people are so busy trying to make their life better that they don't make the world around them better. As a result, their life doesn't leave a legacy.
Two things I have learned the hard way: First, always give more than you get (receive)! Second, always be a great receiver. In other words, be thoroughly thankful. Who's getting the promotions, who's getting the bigger customers, who has the better relationships, who seems to be happier and getting more meaning out of life? Exactly, those who give more and appreciate more of what they receive. Be a great receiver; this means to be thankful in all things.
It amazes me that so many people admit they don't think their prayers are ever answered, and they don't understand why. They quote the passage that states, "Ask and it will be given to you, seek and you shall find, knock and it will be open to you." (Matt. 7:7) Think about this passage. It does not say, "Ask and what you want will be given to you. Seek and you will find what you want." The truth states, those who are grateful not only receive, but receive more because they understand what they are receiving. They understand that giving and being a grateful receiver brings an abundance with the gift that is even bigger than the gift. It is the appreciation of someone who wants you to know that you made their world a better place. The key patter of prayer is: Giving honor, giving glory and giving thanks!
