Serve others

Many years ago, I was sitting in church listening to Jim Jackson, our pastor at the time and one of the most powerful speakers I have ever heard. Jim was speaking on the “Seasons of Life.” Jim’s point was simple — for every person, there are different seasons of life. You start as a child, with a mind that is completely and totally open, excited about learning new things, constantly asking “why, why why?,” without any ingrained pre-conceptions or prejudices.

Then as we turn into teenagers, our world shrinks. It becomes all about us. It stays that way as we reach young adulthood. Not until we reach middle age do we realize (hopefully) that the world doesn’t revolve around us and us alone.

It’s taken me four decades to realize it (and I’m still not very good at it) but no one really cares what people do for themselves, except in the most superficial way. People may be pretend to be impressed by the amount of money you’ve accumulated or the awards you’ve received, that prominent position as the CEO of ABC Corporation or the fancy house you bought in the best neighborhood. But they aren’t really all that impressed.

And none of it lasts anyway. Even if people pretend they are impressed, it’s short-lived.

But people remember what you do for others forever.

They remember your acts of kindness, generosity, love. They remember that time you helped their kid learn how to shoot a free throw, or that time you spent an hour having a nice conversation with their elderly mother at the Little League game. People remember the time you just sat still and quiet and listened — really listened, to what they had to say. People you mentor will never forget you.

And, paradoxically perhaps, focusing all your efforts on your own happiness won’t make you happy.

You will get far more meaningful and long-lasting happiness if you spend your life helping other people.

The only meaningful life is one spent in service to others.