Illustration by Shi Abella
We all have at least one friend whom we only hear from when he is in need. (And the image of that friend just flashed in your head.) Every time his face pops up on Facebook’s chat widow, or his name shows up on your phone, you know that he is bound to ask you a favor. Even before knowing what it is that he needs, you are already convinced that helping him is just a waste of time and effort because his habit of ignoring you most of the time and getting in touch with you only when he is in need is putting your relationship in a state of servitude rather than friendship.
But I had a change of heart when my mother said that I shouldn’t be offended by such behavior. She told me that, instead of getting mad, I should be thankful and feel blessed whenever people turn to me for help because it means that they see the hope to alleviate their problems in me.
That’s a perspective that didn’t cross my mind before. And it’s a very positive way of seeing a situation that is initially a sure cause of disdain towards another person.
Another reason why we should always extend our assistance to people is because the generosity we manifest can have a life-changing effect on the people we help.
Giving starts the Receiving Process. There is an indescribable feeling when we give to people. The lasting benefit of giving far outweighs the receiving that we get.
Jim Rohn
Have a great week ahead!
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