GIVE YOURSELF AWAY

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 6, Issue 70, 7 May 1943, Page 6

GIVE YOURSELF AWAY

I A\ r as attracted to an article in a recent issue of a magazine entitled "Try Giving Yourself AAvay." It was unsigned, but Avas the story of a. business man who had made a hobby of g'mng himself away, through ideas and helpful suggestions, to Avhom he imagined they might benefit. This writer felt that in giA'ing himself away in that manner he l enriched his own life and felt happy that no compensation came from it to him outside this satisfaction and personal thrill. I am sure that Ave should all be. happier human beings if Ave folloAved out such a hobby, for the substance of one's heart is preserved.—and 1 ives on ami on—-in the hearts of others as Ave distribute our' OAvn. Many a kindly deed may be performed, that you think Aery little of at the time, but AAiiich may react time and again in the lives of those about whom you may never hear. The aroma of the heart is a deathless perfume which sAvcetens the atmosphere of the Avorld AvhercA'er it is dispensed. People Avho giA r e themselves away are the real founders of "peace on earth, goodwill toward men." They are the ones Avho furnish true security in the midst of defeat and inglorious failure. Who pays nature back for her priceless and endless contributions to the happiness of the world? She giA*es her precious beauty, her minerals, her grains, her Avood and fuel —Avithout anything in return. Nature onlj' hopes for a better, happier world. There is that Avhieh is sordid about expecting something for cAnything that one does. It. Avas meant that we. all should be paid for what Ave contribute—but not ahvays in a material return. That personal heart-warmth and tliat. thrill of pleasure oA r cr helping another up can only be paid in a spiritual exchange. If you want to find, yourself., give yourself away. And, as Burton lias put it in his beautiful poem, "The Kasidah," "From none but self expect applause."