​​​​​​​​Welcome back to One Marine’s perspective on how to play the game of life. We all have to play, we’re all on the same team, we play by God’s rules, and we win with teamwork. 

As Earl Nightingale, that famous personal development coach and writer has said, “Our rewards in life will always be in direct ratio to our service."

Listen to Story 1.​

We have probably all felt the dread that comes from being cajoled into giving, such as when friends ask us to donate to their fundraisers. In these cases, we are more likely to give to avoid humiliation rather than out of generosity and concern. This type of giving doesn’t lead to a warm-glow feeling; more likely it will lead to resentment.

Instead of allowing ourselves to be put in a position of discomfort, we should set aside time, think about our options, find the best way to be of service, and still honor our values.

Our values should be the foundation for our giving. It is not how much we give or to whom, but how much of our own values are attached to the gift. It’s only natural that we will care about some things more than others, and that’s OK. It should not be simply a matter of choosing the right thing, but also a matter of choosing what is right for us.

And our service doesn’t have to be in the form of money donations, although that is certainly the most appropriate way in some circumstances. Instead, we might consider sharing our Time, our Expertise, and/or our Resources other than money if we are not in a position to give money or don’t consider it to be the best gift for the circumstances. Looking first at our

                                                       Time

The gift of time is often more valuable to the receiver and more satisfying for the giver than the gift of money. We don’t all have the same amount of money, but we all do have time on our hands, and can give some of this time to help others - whether that means we devote our lifetimes to service, or just give a few hours each day or a few days a year.

Listen to ​Story 2.

We never know just how much our small act of kindness is going to be appreciated by the recipient of that kindness. Let’s look now at

​                                                     Expertise

If we’ve been playing the game of life for any period of time, we have at least some level of expertise regarding some aspect of the game. We each have a unique set of skills, knowledge and experience that makes us assets to our teammates.

Our expertise deserves to be shared. It’s ours, yes, we earned it but why keep all that knowledge and experience to ourselves? Why not share it freely with everyone it can help?

If we have special expertise that could help with a particular task or project, we should not hesitate to put ourselves forward, perhaps even take the lead. Sometimes highly experienced people don’t want the responsibility of leadership, so they sit back and keep their knowledge to themselves. Then, after the project is completed they let it be known they could have helped.

If we have the expertise, we should step up and offer to lead the project. If we have something to contribute, we need to get out front. We need to be team players and put the team first. Here is an example of a way One Marine found to be of service to his community.

Listen to ​Story 3.

​                                                         Resources

The need of the recipient of our resources doesn’t have to be great nor does the size of our gift. Consider the following stories about people who shared what they could to help others.

 Listen to ​Story 4.​​

In summary, we need to find ways to integrate our interests and skills with the needs of others. The key is to find the approach that fits us. When we do, then the more we give, the more we stand to gain purpose, meaning and happiness - all of the things that we look for in life but are so hard to find. And remember our service doesn’t have to be in the form of money donations. Instead, we might also consider sharing our Time, our Expertise, and/or our Resources other than money. ​Let’s finish up with some more inspiring stories.

Listen to ​Story 5.

We’ll close with more of One Marine’s favorite quotes.

“A life of significance is about serving those who need your gifts, your leadership, your purpose.” Kevin Hall

“If you light a lamp for someone else it will also brighten your path.” Buddha

“Earn your success based on service to others, not at the expense of others.” H. Jackson Brown Jr

“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?” Martin Luther King

“Service doesn’t have to be big and grandiose to be meaningful and make a difference.” Cheryl A. Esplin

“Don’t feel bad if people remember you only when they need you. Feel privileged that you are like a candle that comes to their mind when there is darkness.” Anonymous

“Small acts, when multiplied by millions of people, can transform the world.” Howard Zinn

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