No one likes a martyr, but people are generally inspired by a graceful giver. Graceful givers are there doing the right thing to help others thoughtfully and quietly. We can all probably think of graceful givers in our midst.
No one can give all the time, but we can all decide that at times, we'll simply give what we can gracefully. When we hear the call and want to respond, we'll do it without looking for something in return and without complaining.
Yet, at times, some can take advantage of graceful givers--some can rely on those selfless people to do almost all of the tough jobs negating the responsibility to create a just environment of reasonable expectations. When people do that, they set up situations that prevent the best of who we can be individually and together. Instead, it's important to create environments that promote graceful giving in humane, positive ways, ways that lift everyone up.
One way to create environments like that is to take a big look at the needs and potential a community holds. Then by playing to people's strengths begin to meet the needs and reach the potential that exists.
For example, I work with a team to support good living for many. Our team represents a great diversity of talent, skill, and interest. When we work well together, we can support good living in substantial, meaningful, and successful ways, ways that people are enthusiastic about and ways where people want to be the graceful givers they can be.
Some questions that inspire graceful giving include the following:
- What is the purpose of this event?
- What can I do to meet the needs and promote the positive potential embedded in this situation?
- What needs and potential related to his event are outside of my capacity or abilities at this time?