We Make a Life by What We Give

"We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.”

~ Sir Winston Churchill

When I was a boy growing up, I would spend almost every weekend with my grandparents in Rosedale. My sister would too (before she got too old for such things). My grandparents lived about 20 miles away. They would pick me up on Fridays from school and I would stay over until daddy came on Saturday to work on whatever project my mother had schemed up or whatever my grandfather was building at the time.

I used to love going to D & Daddy Simp’s (my grandparents). I especially loved to be there during this time of year. Sometime between October and November my grandparents would get in the big J. C. Penny Christmas Catalog. I remember it being huge! We would sit and comb through it page by page marking everything we ever wanted. Toys, games, bikes, (dolls, dresses and girl stuff for my sister) it was great and a memory I will always cherish.

We no longer have that big catalog. We now get year round weekly flyers about every sale and made up “holiday” or event there is. I get tired of those things filling my mailbox. Rarely do I look at them before throwing them out. But Christmas is different. Perhaps it’s because of the time spent on the floor of my grandparents’ house in front of the fire wishing and dreaming of all that could be. Perhaps it’s something else. Whatever the cause; I will typically thumb through several “Christmas” catalogs and flyers.

Rebekah received the Restoration Hardware “Holiday Source Book” the other day. (I will admit I am a fan of Restoration Hardware and desire to have a house full of their furniture and accessories, but alas I have neither the money nor the floor space for everything Rebekah and I want.)

That being said, I was immediately struck by the Chairman’s message on the first page of the catalog. I have included it in its entirety below, as well as the quote from Churchill that started this message.

“We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.”

~ Sir Winston Churchill

“Independent and rebellious with a poor academic record, a noted statesman and orator despite a speech impediment, a well regarded historian, writer and artist, Sir Winston Churchill was arguably one of the most influential business leaders of the last century. He was the only British prime minister to have received the Nobel Prize in Literature, and the first person to be made an Honorary Citizen of the United States.

His quote above defined his view of life. For over 70 years he served, led and fought for his country. His steadfast refusal to consider defeat, surrender or compromise, and his carefully chosen words delivered in speeches and radio broadcasts helped inspire British resistance when standing alone in their active opposition to Adolf Hitler. He gave people hope, inspiration and courage, priceless gifts during difficult times.

Let us also be inspired by Churchill’s words. This holiday season as we consider what to give, let us be reminded that the gift of words, written, spoken, or broadcast; words of appreciation or admiration, affection, respect, gratitude, forgiveness and love can fill an empty heart and ignite the human spirit.

Many of us find ourselves stressed when we consider what to ‘get’ for those we care about during the holidays, when all that really matters is that we ‘give’ something of ourselves.

We’ve worked all year to make a living. Here’s to a season of making a life.

Wishing you and yours love and light this season of giving.

Carpe diem,

Guy Friedman

Chairman Emeritus, Creator & Curator
Restoration Hardware”

I applaud Guy Friedman and Restoration Hardware on their message and I agree with his sentiments on two main points. The first that it is not about what you get. It is about what you give. As this Christmas season approaches, think about how you can give to others; give your words of encouragement and inspiration, give your time, and give your support. Encourage someone. Challenge someone. Mentor someone. Be involved with the lives and success of others. I guarantee you will get more than you give.

The second thing I am a firm believer in is the power of words. Words can cut down but words can also encourage. Make sure that what you are saying (and what you are not saying) is in a positive light for the benefit of others. Even if you have to give someone constructive criticism, do so to the benefit and success of the other person. Make sure your words are enriching and not tearing down.

I know it is a little early for a Christmas message, but as we prepare for all the blessings of this CHRISTmas season and season of Thanksgiving, let us be thankful for those in our lives and those opportunities we have to give and bless others. Let’s make an effort not only now and through the end of the year, but also into 2013 to constantly use our words to encourage and build up those around us.

If you agree to take on this challenge, you will receive over and over so much more than you ever give and our community will be better because of it.

Let me be the first to wish you and your families a Happy Thanksgiving, a Merry CHRISTmas and a lifetime full of joy and blessing!

Larkin